n 





! 


fces  flUibrascb 

ober 

^iterator  -  -  - 


fiir 

un^ 

(Se[(^rteBen  in  (Jngltfrf)  iinb  Seutfd^  in  ^oetifrfiem  @tt)Ie,  fc^r  intereffant 

imb  angie^enb. 

bon 

3o0epb  dohn 

ifd)  unb  2)eut[dier  Secret,  ?)onfer§,  9^.  §5. 


retribiert  bon  S3.  @.  2).  Slaronfon,  9i.  ?). 
1906  bt) 


OR 


HEBREW  LITERATURE 


FOR 


SCHOOLS   AND    HOME1S 

Written  in  English  and  German  in  a  Most  Interesting  and 
Attractive  Style  of  Poetry. 


BY 


JOSEPH     OOHN 

HEBREW  AND  GERMAN  TEACHER, 
Yonkers,  N.  Y. 


English  Translation  Eevised  by 

V.  S.  D.  AARONSON, 

New  York. 


Copyright,  1906,  by  Joseph  Cohn. 


XeStimonial 
tlje 


anf  psbagogifcfyem  ©efiiete  feit  ^afjren  crfolgretcf)  tfjotige 


in  ^at  e§  unternommen  etne  93IumenIefe  au§  Xalmub  unb 
unter  bem  Xiamen  ©belftetne  be§  3Wibrafd)  gufammen  311  ftellen. 
@ic  Itefert  ein  3WiniaturbiIb  ber  3ftoral  itnb  @tf)tf  biefer  Citeratur. 
^r  ^n^alt  ift  burd^ttiegS  relig:6§  unb  toon  erfjt  jiibifdjem  ^atrtott§mu§ 
gelragen.  STIIe,  lueldje  bie  aufeerorbenllirfje  aWii^e  itnb  ben  ftaunen* 
erregcnbcn  gletfe  ju  toiirbigen  berfteljen,  fottten  bie  ^erau§ga6e  biefe§ 
forbern  unb  iljatfrdftig  unterftii^en. 

9iet).  2>r.  ^.  RIcin. 
Jorf,  18.  eiul  5665. 


TESTIMONIAL. 
FROM  THE  REV.  DR.  H.  PEREIRA  MENDES. 

I  have  much  pleasure  in  recommending  "Gems  from  the  Mid- 
rash,"  by  Mr.  J.  Cohn.  The  work  is  a  good  one,  and  Mr.  Cohn's 
skill  in  German  verse  will  be  at  once  evident  to  anyone  with  even 
a  slight  acquaintance  with  the  language.  The  English  version  will 
appeal  to  many,  according  to  the  correctness  of  style  and  metre. 
The  ethical  teachings  conveyed  in  the  work  are  beyond  all  praise 
and  will  commend  the  book  to  every  Jewish  household  and  school. 

H.  PEREIRA  MENDES, 

Spanish  and  Portuguese  Synagogue, 

New  York  City. 


SSorrebc. 

jugenblidjen  (Generation 

©oil  biefeS  SBer!  getuibmet  fein, 
2 it1  jetjnt  fid)  barnad)  unb  fud)t  '5  lange  fd)on, 

llni  ifjr  £erj  311  erqitirfen  brein. 
®iefc§  SBcrf  ift  ein  Shniotwrbilb 

Ijebraifd^en  Siteratur, 
trtln'fle^re  barin  geljiiHt 

2o  fd)6n  ergo^enber  3iatur. 
(5§  bietct  bein  8d)ii(cr  unb  ©tubenten 

(fine  gute  ©elegen^eit 
©id)  ausauscidjnen  mit  @roBpi<03cntcn 

33ei  einer  SJSriifimg  borbereit: 
33on  biefein  33ndE)e  311  reaitieren 

11  nb  mag  getuinncn  einen  ^5rei§; 
©o  ruitrbe  e§  ifyn  oud)  infpirieren 

3ur  Religion,  cud)  ben  ©rei§. 
Gb'Iftetne  be§  SRibrafcf)  ba§  SScrf  fid)  nennt, 

2BeiI  id)  fie  Don  bort  Be3ogen, 
3ie  gefd)Iiffen,  bafe  fie  ein  ^eoer  crfennt, 

Ta§'§  3Tr6eit  be§  ^ebagogen. 

S  o  f  c  V  I)  Got)  n. 
Confers,  9i\  ?).,  1900. 


PKEFACE. 

For  the  promotion  of  virtue  and  for  the  culture  of v  our  youth, 
the  author  here  presents  a  collection  of  the  pearls,  diamonds,  and 
precious  stones,  that  are  scattered  throughout  the  various  Mid- 
rashim ;  but  whereas  there  they  are  almost  inaccessible  to  the  aver- 
age reader,  here  they  are  polished  into  a  brilliance  that  reflects 
the  beauties  of  the  truths  that  they  teach  to  every  reader,  hence 
the  author  has  named  this  work  "Gems  from  the  Medrash  or  He- 
brew Literature."  The  pictures  here  represent  the  barbarous 
sway  of  the  Roman  tyrants  over  poor  captive  Israel;  other  com- 
positions, too,  will  be  found  that  are  based  upon  great  moral  prin- 
ciples and  will  inspire  the  reader  to  deeply  religious  sentiments. 
The  author  is  greatly  pleased  to  see  that  this  work  is  warmly 
recommended,  not  alone  for  the  Home,  but  also  for  the  use  of 
Schools,  where,  as  a  book  of  recitations,  it  will  be  found  of  great 
advantage. 

JOSEPH  COHN, 

Yonkers,  N.  Y. 


93erfaffcr§  2teb 10 

iiai'l  bcr  ^arttjrer 14 

imb  bie  filbert 20 

:)iabbi  (il)iiniiia  ber  5U?artt)rer 24 

Ter  £iMi'iib  -Sicfl 36 

Tic  §inijd;ale 46 

xlolju  ber  Xrcue 54 

£n*  fromnie  OJeidjrutftcrpaar  66 

:Wabbi  iHiiba  uub  [cine  (Ratlin 74 

;)Ci'[toriutfl  bc^  XcnipcU  314  ^crujalem 84 

intou  3ol)n  ^odjai^ 104 

^ropljet  vScd)aria  114 

2ic  ^clbcutljat  beg  ^iibi|d)cn  ©eneral§ 122 

:)iaL)bi  UWair  130 

Tie  IBimbermwfe 138 

Xie  :Wadjt  bc»  QJIaiibenS 146 

ii  ber  ^uben 154 

i  xHnmon  unb  ber  Unfjane  Xofef 162 

3oboni  uiib  Cioniora i 170 

.-HnlUMUi  ^ntobojd) ? 180 

2cr  (fib  bee  3iinberS  188 

Tie  reiclje  i'i'itflift 196 

^er  (f belftein  204 

©am  3u  Xictoba ' 212 

s-brtiria  bo»  feltene  2Beib 220 

Hfejanber  bcr  (>Jrofee  unb  bie  2tma3onen  228 

Ter  redjtinalsiflc  (? rbe 236 

S^ie  unucrjdjleierte  ®ame 246 

^QS  $eiub  eiuc^  (iiliirflidjen 252 

SDer  meije  JHabbt  unb  ber  Wlofopfc 262 

eittcnicljrc 270 

Sittenfvridie 284 

^i-iiiiiucl)  290 

£te  ^uflcnb 294 


CONTENTS. 

The  Author's  Song 11 

Rabbi  Ishmael  the  Martyr 15 

Rome  and  the  Jews 21 

Rabbi  Chanina  the  Martyr 25 

Triumph  of  Virtue 37 

The  Cranium 47 

Reward  of  Faithfulness  55 

The  Pious  Brother  and  Sister ' 67 

Rabbi  Akiba  and  his  Wife 75 

Destruction  of  the  Holy  Temple  in  Jerusalem 85 

Rabbi  Simon,  the  Son  of  Jochai 105 

The  Prophet  Zecharia 115 

Heroism  of  a  Jewish  General 123 

Rabbi  Meir 131 

The  Wonderful  Gnat 139 

The  Power  of  Faith 147 

Wisdom  of  the  Jews 155 

Rabbi  Amnon  and  the  '  'TJnethane  Tokef " 163 

Sodom  and  Gomorah 171 

Rabenu  Hakodosh 181 

The  Sinner's  Vow 189 

The  Rich  Dowry 197 

The  Gem 205 

Gam  Zu  Letovah 213 

B  'ruryah,  a  Rare  Woman 221 

Alexander  the  Great  and  the  Amazons 229 

The  Legitimate  Heir  237 

The  Unveiled  Lady .• ' 245 

The  Happy  Man's  Shirt 253 

The  Wise  Rabbi  and  the  Philosopher 263 

Moral  Instruction 271 

Moral  Maxims 285 

Home-Sickness 291 

Youth  .   295 


fiieb. 


2>er  £>id)ter  fingt  ein  Sobgefang, 

9Ind)  bie  Iftadjtigal  fingt. 
3)ie  Gutter  fingt  bent  ®inbe  lang 

2£a§  bic  Snfnnft  \ljrn  minft. 

\ 

Ser  £i<f)tcr  ift  nur  ©ott  allcin, 
35ie  ^adjtigal  bie  SBiff'nfd^aft; 

lie  I'uititr  ba§  lieb  ^iitterlein, 
Tac'  fuitpft  nff'  in  ©emcinfcf)aft. 


fact,  aud)  afleg  fingt, 
and)  ber  8*0  fd)  gocfert, 

eS  jcbod)  gelingt 
Selbft  su  f)ab'n  geacfert. 

2)ie  liebe  Gutter  Inttt  un§  cin 

^>n  ber  SSiege  aEe, 
SSerfpridjt  and)  jeben  <3onnenfd)oin 

^n  ber  grofeen 


bie 

©enie  gum  ©ingen  fdjon, 
2Ben  aber  ber  (Sdjatt'n  tfjut  fyiiten, 
Ton  mag  man  fein  gefyler  fe^'n. 


10 


THE  AUTHOR'S  SONG. 


The  Poet  sings  a  loving  song, 
The  Nightingale  sings,  too; 

Mother's  lullaby  songs  prolong 
The  songs  that  e'er  are  new. 

The  Poet's  our  good  God  alone, 
Knowledge,   the  Nightingale, 

And  Nature,  our  Mother's  known, 
That  hides  all  'neath  her  veil. 

Whilst  we  all  sow,  we  also  sing, 
E'en  frogs  croak,  you'll  allow, 

But  very  few  of  every  thing 
Can  ever  hope  to  plow. 

Dear  Mother,  with  her  lullaby, 
Hath  lulled  us  all  to  sleep; 

She  promised  us  the  Sun  on  high, 
Would  shine  on  our  dark  deep. 

In  our  minds  the  Sun's  rays  shining, 
Fires  genius  in  our  song; 

But  when  daylight  is  declining, 
Each  shadow  shows  our  wrong! 


11 


JBcrfafferS  fiteb. 


Sludj  mid)  fyatte  fonft  gejd^Iagen 

®ie  Gutter  bom  Slopf  bi0 
Sic  tfiat  mid)  fdjon  aeitlid) 
bet  i^rer 


S)a  meine  ©eele  fo  leibet 

©in  biertel  ^Saljrljunbert  fdjon 
llnb  bie  Gutter  mid)  nod)  toeibet, 
id)  ifyr  ein  93ilb  sum 


llnb  fteige  tote  ein  ©preu  im  9Binb 

3h)ifd)en  bie  ^o^en  Serge, 
llm  absitfpiegeln  ifjr  al§  ®inb 
©eifter  in  bie  ©arge. 


2)ie  ©traf  ift  atuar  nid)t  lingered)!, 
®a  id^  ben  £>id)ter  berlaff'n, 

S)te  9JacgtigaI  gepflegt  fo  jdjledjt 
llnb  bie  Gutter  tfjat  idg  ^aff'n. 


t  mtr,  tfyr  9?egenten  ©ret! 
ft)tfj'ntlidg  ift  meine  ©iinb', 
?cid)t  auf  lange  itnb  idq  bin  frei,  — 
®ann  Itebt  i^r  midg  alS  ©u'r 


12 


THE  AUTHOR'S  SONG. 


Me,  too,  my  Mother  has  beaten, 
All  sore,  my  wounds  have  burst, 

For,  by  her,  my  heart  was  eaten, 
Since  at  her  breast  I  nursed. 

Though  my  soul  has  been  in  sorrow, 
Twenty-five  years  or  more, 

Life  from  Mother  still  I  borrow, 
This  picture  of  her  I'll  draw. 

See  in  the  wind,  like  chaff  flying 

Amongst  the  hills  so  high, 
Pictures  of  her  children  dying, 

In  her  coffin  they  lie. 

i 

My  punishment  was  not  unjust, 

For  the  Poet. I  had  left, 
The  Nightingale  treated  with  disgust, 

My  mother  I  bereft. 

O  pardon  me,  you  powers  three, 

Unwitting  I  did  sin, 
But  yet  a  while  and  I'll  be  free, 

'Tis  then  your  love  I'll  win! 


13 


i  3fmnel  bcr  SWartyrcr. 


(finer  ber  jefin  SWertqrer,  9t. 

SSurbe  am  @d)eiterljaufen  ber&rannt. 
v,n  unfeglidien  Torturen  unb  Oitaf 

Gr  sum  ^immel  flcftrcrft  feine  S>nnb: 


,,3iir  bid)  C  @ott!  jum  £)£fcr  crforcn 
.^Jatte  id)  ntidi  imb  fiir'§  Saterlanb, 
nnfcv  .^ciligtljum,  ba§  Don 
bcrttmftct  unb  b 


fb'rpcrlidjc 
Unb  fcinc  roienrotc 
."oat  ^om'§  ^Srinjeffin  angc^oncn  bnlb 
Hnb  ent3iirft  bor  if)nt  ftanb  mit 


s^ei  ilir  s4Sah'r,  bcm  ^aifer  uitb 

3trcngte  jio  an  uni'r  einen 
Um  iWitleib  ,yt  cductfcu-cinmcnin 

Unb  tfyn  rctten  bom  JWid)tcr  —  SSerbanb. 

Scin  £obc§;llrtf)eil  tnurbc  bert'iinbct, 
<Sic  bermodjt  c§.nid)t  311  cinbern 

ootnit  fie  fid)  eine  'Jrb'ftimg  finbet 
Unb  16ft  bie  ^aut  bom  ©efidjt 


H 


RABBI  ISHMAEL,  THE  MARTYR. 


Rabbi  Ishmael,  Israel's  martyred  son, 
Who,  like  a  fagot  at  the  stake,  was  burned, 

Died  like  a  man,  and  before  his  course  was  run, 
With  his  hands  upraised,  to  heaven  he  turned. 

"For  love  of  thee,  0  Lord,  a  Martyr  I  die! 

And  for  the  love  of  the  land  of  my  sires! 
Wild  fools  have  burned  all  that  is  sacred  on  high, 

They  have  destroyed  them  by  thousands  of  fires!" 

Handsome  he  was  and  of  finely  molded  form, 
With  cheeks  that  vied  in  beauty  with  the  rose; 

Rome's  princess'  gaze  was  held  spell-bound  by  the  charm, 
Her  looks  now  rapture,  now  sadness  disclose. 

With  her  royal  father  she  pleaded  eloquent, 
If  yet  a  loving  daughter's  art  could  touch 

A  father's  compassion,  that  he  should  relent, 

That  this  handsome  man's  fate  may  not  be  such! 

In  vain  was  her  pleading,  for  sentence  passed, 
Proclaimed  in  public  was  not  to  be  changed, 

But  thinking  of  what  would  console  her  at  last, 
To  preserve  the  skin  of  his  face  she  arranged. 


15 


t  Sfmael  bcr  2Rartt)rcr. 


@ie  fjat  bann  ba§  $autd)en  einbalfamtert 
llnb  ijur  SSeretoigung  auf&etuafyrt, 

@o  frfjbricfjt  e§  ,,9?QfdE)i"  31:  fein  informiert, 
3)ie§  tm  SSatifan  311  feljn  bertoa^rt 

9Zn  berfellben  ©telle  luirb  aurf)  gcbrac^t: 
SSon  einen  feltnen  geiertag§  —  3tdtt, 

S)en  bie  ^orner  511  getoiff  n  Bett'n  fcebarfjt 
Unb  jcb'  fteBatg  ^a^r'  gefei'rt  in  %att. 


©arftettenb  ba§  Otjm&ol  gtneter  93riiber 
9?on  ^afob  unb  ©fail  ein  ©innbilb, 

©tellten  fie  bor  in  Sormen  unb  ©lieber 
(Sang  notfja^mcnb  in  Meibern  gefyitllt. 

S)er  Sine  borfteEenb  Budflig  unb  latym, 
®er  5lnbrc  frfjon  unb  grofj  bon  ©eftollt, 

®er  gtoeite  auf  ben  ©rft'n  gefe^t  mit  ©d^aa 
Bum  5Reiten  unb  ©djanbeSfaljrt  gemalt. 


®en  jmeiten  tourbe  am  $al§  angefjdngt 
Der  grofte  93riHant  fia^  bort  Befanb 

llnb  be§  3Warttjrer§—  §aut  am  ^obf  gefenft 
Unb  frfjone  ©efrf)meibe  aller^anb. 


16 


RABBI  ISHMAEL,  THE  MARTYR. 


She  had  that  skin  embalmed  to  enjoy  its  beauties, 
Its  graceful  outlines  she  had  well  preserved, 

(So  says  Rashi  in  a  Talmudic  treatise), 
E'en  now  in  the  Vatican  'tis  conserved. 

In  the  same  treatise,  the  Talmud  also  writes 

Of  a  ceremony,  festive  and  rare, 
That  ancient  Rome  as  one  of  its  delights, 

In  seventy  years,  was  wont  to  prepare. 

• 
Two  brothers  were  symbolized  in  pageant  great, 

Jacob  and  Esau  made  to  represent; 
So  perfect  in  form  they  seemed  animate, 

Stuffing  and  clothes  human  appearance  lent. 

One  was  a  grotesque  figure,  humpbacked  and  lame, 
The  other  chivalrous,  handsome  and  bold, 

Who  rode  on  the  former  and  put  him  to  shame, 
A  derisive  object  of  scorn  untold. 

The  chivalrous  one  wore  suspended  round  his  neck, 
The  largest,  most  brilliant  gem  ever  seen, 

And  the  Martyr's  handsome  skin  his  head  did  bedecK, 
And  divers  ornaments  of  golden  sheen. 


17 


bcr 


Hub  fo  burd)  bie  ©traffen  3?om'§  geritten 
2tfit  ben  SBorten  Derfiinbenb  gemadjt; 

©jjottenb  unb  inumpljierenf)  gefdjritten 
fiieber  mitgefungen  uiib  geladjt; 


,,S)u  Safob,  i>u  fjcift  einftmaB  gelogen, 

bu  iiber  un§  luirft  regteren, 
bu  ^oft  unfer  SSater  betrogen, 
ben  (Segen  madjteft  berlieren, 


bon  un§  ben  Segen  ©otte§ 
(Jr  ift  burd)ait§  nitfjt  in  betner 
SBir  geniefeen  if)n  bit  anftatt, 

unb  immer  in  jebem  Sanb. 


S)u  yofHt  unb  toirft  e§  biifeen  iiberall 
gitr  betne  betriigeriidje  X^aten 

@o  ttrie  jefet,  fo  nodi  in  grofeerer 
©erddjt,  unb  in  SSerUall  gerat^en. 

2Biirbe  bennod)  bir  aud)  unteiiiegen, 
SSenn  bu  fonft  toanbelft  in  ©otte§  —  28eg, 

©obann  tuirft  bu  mid),  gemife  bejiegen 
@o  bu  betreteft  ben  efyrlidj'n  ©teg." 


18 


RABBI  ISHMAEL,  THE  MARTYR. 


Thus  through  Rome's  streets  the  great  procession  wended, 
Shouting  loud  announcemnts  of  its  import, 

Songs  of  mockery  the  jubilation  ended, 
Sung  in  unison  by  that  wild  cohort. 

"0  thou  Jacob,  thou  hast  told  a  barefaced  lie 

Were  it  not  for  that  thou  wouldst  still  have  reigned 

Thou  hast  deceived  our  father,  for  shame!  O,  fie! 
And  by  trickery  the  blessing  hast  gained. 

"Now  see  who's  enjoying  the  blessing  of  God, 

It  is  not  with  thee,  nor  in  thy  control, 
We  enjoy  the  blessing,  for  thee  is  the  rod, 

The  world  for  us  is  Heaven,  for  thee  Sheol. 

"In  retribution's  fires  thou  must  ever  burn, 
Thou  knave!  because  of  thy  deceitful  act, 

E'er  must  thou  suffer  wherever  thou  wilt  turn, 
Thou  with  sorrow  hast  made  a  painful  pact. 

"But  in  the  end  thou  wilt  surely  conquer  me, 
When  thou  wilt  go  in  the  good  ways  of  God 

Then  thy  most  willing  slave  I  will  have  to  be 
Then  I  will  cease  to  be  thy  chastening  rod. ' ' 


19 


'Horn  nnb  bic  ^ubcu. 


JRom,  ba§  alte  JRom,  Hingt  in'3  Oljr 
iliMe  it)  re  (iHodfe,  ale  ein  (Sfyor. 
Irinft  mar  fie  bie  groftc  28elt  —  iD?adit 
manrfjc  SSoIfer  unterbradjt. 


23er  Ijat  benn  bie  crfteit  3aaten 
Qtefa't  in  ben  romifdjen  Staotcn? 
iliid^t  9fonutluy  unb  JHemu»  nmrn'? 
2tud)  nidjt  Slnctjijes  niit 


Sm  9)iibraid)  i|t  bie  8;ntr  crprobt 
SBer  al§  Grft'r  fid)  bomit  gclobt. 

©pciter'n  finb  bod)  nidjt  com  Stomin, 
fie  Iang[t  t>erfd)ti)unben  langfam. 


,,3'fo  S3?en  GlifaS"  Gbom'S— 
(JfauS  Gnf'I,  ber  ftolj  nid)t 
2Us  erfter  Ifinficbler,  fein 
9fngelegt,  gcfdjo^t  ben  93ob'n  —  SScrtI). 


tDar  geftief'n  sue  felben 


©einen  SSater  fii()rt  311  begrab'n 
SBoIIt'  i^n  3'fo  aus  9tad)c  anl)ab'n. 


20 


ROME  AND  THE  JEWS. 


Rome !   Ancient  Rome !   still  rings  in  human  ears, 
As  once  her  famous  bells — the  world's  choir, 

Once  her  world — wide  power  filled  the  world  with  tears, 
Destin}r  of  Nations !    Her  desire ! ! 

Who  sowed  the  first  seeds  on  that  fruitful  soil? 

Whence  grew  Rome's  Empire,  that  monstrous  growth? 
Not  by  Romulus'  nor  Remus'  toil, 

Was  placed  its  basal  stone,  not  by  both. 

In  the  Midrash  thou  wilt  find  citations, 
Which  the  Master — builders  clear  reveal; 

Though  untraced  in  these  late  generations, 
Sacred  tradition  nought  does  conceal. 

Zefoh,  the  son  of  Eliphaz,  Edom's  King, 
Esau's  grandchild  and  bloated  with  pride, 

Is  the  o.ne  to  whom  our  traditions  cling, 
As  first  to  build  in  Rome  his  fire-side. 

It  was  on  that  sad  memorable  day, 

When  Joseph  brought  his  father's  remains 

To  Canaan  to  rest  as  he  last  did  say. 

That  Zefoh  sought  to  wipe  out  ancient  stains. 


21 


9?om  iinb  btc 


2TWitar 

Ginen  fe^r  grofeen  £f>eil  ber  @gt)bter 
(Segen  ®onig  3efo  roar  gericfjtet, 
Gr  bie  ©d^Indit  berlor'n  unb  fid)  gefliid)tei. 


einigen  Seuteit  crretrfjt  er  ba§  5D?eer 
Unb  beftieg  gleid)  bort  ein  ©d^iff  ungefafjr 
llnb  ^at  gelonbet  ouf  bemfelben  Ort, 
28o  je^t  9tom  ftefjt,  unb  Befe^t  ftrf)  bort. 


Grr  Bcfc^t  ftrf)  auf  bie  .§ugel  — 
Um  ben  WuSgufe  be§  5tieber§  311  entge^'n, 
SDamm  nonnte  er  audq,  S'iom,  biefe§  Sanb, 
5Da  in  ^ebraift^  ,,rom  —  ^oci)"  e§  berlranb. 


©omit  toar  ba§  romifd^c  Urgefrfjlet^t 

©in  abeligeB  getoefen  mit  recfjt, 

9Jur  ff  ater  mitrbe  e§  ein  3uflucf)t§  —  Drt 

9Son  S)ie6en,  SRaitBer  unb  ben  30^orbern  —  ©ort 


9?itn  ^a^r^unberte  ^ab'n  bie  Wligen 
Ten  ©taat  regiert  nod^  iljrem  5TnIiegen 
^8t§  bie  bermifc^t'n  3totf'n  fidti  aufgebrungcn 
llnb  bie  Stb'Iig'n  gum  ^ieberfall 


©omit  IjaBen  fid^  bie 

8HS  (£fau'§  2t6ftamm  gered^net, 

llnb  unter  bem  23orttmnb  bie  ^uben  gefjefct, 

S)Q§  ^ofob  ben  ©fnu  bctrog'n  berlefet. 

22 


ROME  AND  THE  JEWS. 

But  Joseph's  army,  a  powerful  defense, 
Egypt's  bravest  hosts  who  knew  not  dread, 

Turned  against  Zefoh  with  such  a  fierce  offence 
That  he  lost  the  battle  —  then  he  fled. 


With  a  fe^  officers  he  reached  the  sea, 

And  boarded  a  vessel  near  at  hand, 
Which  landed  on  that  spot  then  wild  and  free  — 

Now  called  Rome  —  he  was  first  there  to  land! 

On  the  hills  he  built  his  house,  dreading 
The  Tiber's  streams  lest  they  overflow, 

Hence  he  called  it  Rome,  that  landscape  spreading, 
"Rome"  means  "Height,"  in  Hebrew,  as  we  know. 

Thus  was  founded  Rome  —  then  of  royal  birth 

First  gave  it  "  artistocratic  touch," 
Then  turned  refuge  for  the  scum  of  the  earth, 

For  thieves,  robbers,  murderers  and  such. 

For  several  centuries  the  nobles  reigned, 
With  absolute  power  controlled  the  State, 

Till  the  mixed  race,  to  rebellion  trained, 
Slaughtered  the  nobles  with  bloody  hate. 

Under  that  pretext  the  vile  Jew-baiters 
Considered  themselves  of  Esau's  breed, 

Deemed  they  were  hereditary  haters, 
As  "Jacob  tricked  Esau,"  they  martyred  his  seed. 

23 


i  Gljanina  ber 


ffiabbi  GTljanina  ein  ©oljn  be§  Strabjon, 
$>er  gute  trcue  S)icner  ©otte§ 

Grrtoarb  fief)  einen  Unfterblirf)feit'§  —  2ljron 
^n  bcm  ^od^ften  ©inne  be§  2Borte§. 


93?it  fcinem  SSermogen,  ©eelc  unb 
S^arf  er  fief)  fyin  in  ©ottc§  —  ,<panben, 
rinsiep  toa^Ite  er  ben  £obe§  —  © 
lebcnb  am  ©d^eiter^aufen  enben. 


®iefer  traitrige  3(ft  fpielte  fic^  at 
^n  ben  ttiranifcfjen  D^omeraeiten, 

8TIS  bie  $eiben—  SBelt  nocf)  mit  ©ut  unb 
Bum  @o^en  —  Opfcr  fid)  lief^en  Iciten. 

3tl§  bic  Corner  i^re  number  (Srofemacfjt 
STngefiinbiflt  iiber  oiler  SBelt 

$aBen  fie  oud^  bn§  ^ubent^urn  Bebacfjt 
llnb  ba§  5t^ora  —  Semen  eingeftellt. 


Ginft  Irar  (£f)anina  narf)  9tom  ^u  geeilt 
Sen  ^ifema  gu  Befucfjen 

Don  feiner  5IHrt)iff'nl)ett 
er  ftirbt,  e§  nocf)  berfucf)en. 


RABBI  CHANINA,  THE  MARTYR. 


Rabbi  Chanina,  the  son  of  Teradyon, 

Was  the  devoted  servant  of  God, 
He  earned  immortality  as  guardian, 

Of  the  eternal  word  of  the  Lord. 

He  sacrificed  fortune  with  soul  and  heart, 
In  God's  hands  his  whole  life  he  resigned: 

For  principle,  as  martyr  played  his  part: 
Went  with  joy  to  the  stake  when  consigned. 

This  infamous  scene  was  enacted  then, 
When  tyrannous  Romans  held  their  sway; 

When  the  world  was  peopled  but  not  with  men, 
But  fools  who  know  only  to  obey. 

When  the  Romans  extended  their  base  might, 

O'er  all  the  world  with  impunity, 
From  the  Jews,  too,  they  took  their  sacred  right, 

To  learn  Torah  in  community. 

It  was  to  Rome  that  Chanina  once  sped, 

To  visit  Jose,  Kisma's  great  son, 
To  learn  the  wise  things  that  he  ever  said, 

Ere  his  earthly  career  would  be  done. 


25 


Wnbbt  Gfjantim  bet  SDiiirtljrcr. 


Crmjjfangenb  farad)  iljn  jetst  ber  ®ranfe  an  : 
,,5reunb!  id)  fjabe  mir  fagen  laffen, 

S)a§  bit  offenbar  bid)  toageSt  ioran 
£ora  31:  berbretten  in  ben 


®onnft  bu  benn  nod^  ntd)t  bie  Stonier  —  Sanben  \ 
®a  fie  ber  ^immel  ^at  je  beftimmt 

2>ie  ©rofte  SSoIfer,  bie  niir  bor^anben 
3u  befieg'n  unb  t^un  tui'S  i^nen  giemt? 

SBaren  e§  benn  nidjt  bie  bofen  Corner, 

unfer  ^rarfjt  —  Stembel  ein[t  aerftort, 
aHer  ^eiligfte  bort  311  Strummer 
Unb  att  unfere  grommen  berljeert? 

Unb  bu  toageft,  tro^eft  tfynen  bennoc^ 

^n  beinem  Suj'n  bie  £ora  gu 
^Srebigft  of  fen  mofaifcfye  Sefiren 

28ef)e!  toenn  ©^ionen  bid^  an^alt'n!" 


bitrcfjbnmgen  Don 
Slntrtjortet  bie  SBarnungen  be§"^ranfen 

el  ^at  toof)I  fein 
Unb  toirb  mirf)  fjaben  im  ©ebanfen." 


26 


RABBI  CHANINA,  THE  MARTYR. 


He  received  him,  though  on  his  dying  bed, 
And  said  to  him:  "Hear  Oh!  my  friend!" 

"I  heard,  the  Torah  in  public  hast  read, 
Alas,  dost  forget  the  bitter  end? 

"Knowest  thou  not  the  murd'rous  Roman  thugs, 
Whom  God  did  appoint  the  world  to  scourge? 

See  how  every  nation  its  vile  chain  hugs, 

And  Rome's  myrmidons  still  new  chains  forge! 

"Was  it  not  base  Rome  with  its  vile  cohorts, 
Who  our  holy  Temple  all  destroyed? 

Have  burned  to  the  ground  its  sacred  courts, 
To  slay  our  best  they  were  overjoyed! 

"In  spite  of  that  you  defiantly  dare, 

The  Torah  in  your  bosom  to  hold, 
And  preach  Moses '^Law  on  each  public  square, 

Oh  woe,  if  by  spies  this  should  be  told!" 

Chanina,  with  confidence  unshaken, 

Thus  answered  his  sick  friend's  warning  kind, 
"By  Heaven's  tribune  judgment  is  taken, 

My  fate  to  its  power  I've  resigned." 


27 


Granitic  bcr  9)tdrti)rcr. 


1)er  ®ranfe  banu  fn^r  fort  im  33etoncn, 
,,2$ir  finb  bod)  mir  irbifdje  28efen, 

Sihmber  fyoff'n  ttmrbe  fid)  nid)t  IoT;ncn  ! 
3Som  5tobe  lafet  fid)  nidjt  nblofen." 


2)iefe  ^ad)t  liiMt  luohl  in  idmt 

311  entreifeen  bon  bicfer  2BeIt, 
jenfeitigem  Seb'n  311  entroenben 
iionn  tpebcr  ??ohir,  nod)  cin  Wcnfdjen^elb." 

,,9tur  nod)  eine  jvrage  ftell  id)  an  bir 
Sebor  irir  bon  etnanber  fdjeiben 
3prad)  ber  [ter&enbe  Siabbi  ;  f  age  mir  ! 

lein  @iinb'  moron  bu  magft  leiben?" 


,.Csn  Scbofo  —  (Mb  tmt  ^iirtm  —  ©aben 
fatten  fid)  einmal  bei  mir  bermifdjt. 

Sonft  tneiB  id)  feinc  ©iinben  ,511  l)aben 
Hnb  btefe§  ift  oud)  fd)on  liingft  bertoifd)t. 

,,9tun  bann  hiiinfd)c  id)  mil  bir  311  tcilen, 
SBa§  bir  befdu'eben,  ma§  bid)  garret, 

9Ho  cnbloic  SSonne  unb  ^reub'  toeilen 
28e  etnigc§  Scben  fid)  toaijret!" 


28 


RABBI  CHANINA,  THE  MARTYR. 


His  sick  friend  deprecatingly  murmured, 
We  are  naught  but  poor  tenants  of  clay; 

Hope  for  miracles  is  not  right  humored, 

As  Nature's  Judge  for  death  grants  no  stay. 

"  'Tis  true  the  base  Romans  have  the  power 
To  pluck  my  life  from  this  earthly  sphere, 

Biit  their  might  is  but  for  the  brief  hour, 
They  cannot  blast  my  heavenly  career." 

"But  one  more  question  I  will  put  to  thee, 

Ere  forever  I'll  bid  thee  farewell," 
Spoke  the  dying  man,  "0!  confess  to  me, 

What  sin  may  cause  to  sound  thy  doom's  knell?" 

"Yea,  charity  entrusted  to  my  care, 
With  Purim  money  was  mingled  once — 

Otherwise  in  sin  I  have  had  no  share — 
And  that,  too,  He  forgave  for  the  nonce." 

"Then  may  my  lot  be  cast  with  thine  I  |5ray, 
Whate'er  thee  betide,  whate'er  befall. 

For  endless  joy  is  thine  on  that  great  day 
When  eternal  life  to  thee  does  call." 


29 


v)i'nbbi  (slnuunn  ber  llli  cirri)  rer. 


biefer  Sonberfation  barauf 
Sfi  ftabbi  Sofea  gcftorben! 
SDie  ®unbe  in  9?om  fcerbreitet  im  Sauf. 
S5cr  SSerbienfte  er  fid^  ertoorben. 

SSon  alien  ©rofeen  511  ©rab'  geleitet 

giirft'n,  fliinftler,  2lri[tofraten 
ifjm  bie  le^le  6^re  bereitet 
Unb  Xrauerreben  ^tclten  3Kagnaten. 


5tl§  ber  Seicfyenaug  f)etmrtiart§  gefommen 
Unb  (Sljanina  in  ber  ©troffe  [tanb 

SSon  fetnem  2)^unb'  3KoraI  bernommen 
llnb  bie  Stora  fialtenb  in  ber  £anb. 


S5en  romifdj'n  ©pionen  unb 

2Bar  biefer  2InbIi(f  nirfjt  fo  fe^r  rerf)t 
3ie  naljmen  ben  SBerbreij'r  in  Seffeln  frei 

©ebracfit  al§  ange!6t5te§  ©efd)Ied)t. 


9lm  Sc^eiter^Qufen  marb  er  f)ingeftred£t. 
UmljiiHt  ben  ^orper  mit  ^orarotten 
^en  umgeBen  unb  bebedft, 
Bergen  gelegt  nayye  SBoHen. 


30 


RABBI  CHANINA,  THE  MARTYR. 


Shortly  following  this  conversation, 
Gentle  Rabbi  Jose  drew  his  last  breath ; 

In  Rome  revered  as  best  of  the  nation, 
With  great  grief  they  lamented  his  death. 

By  all  the  great  he  was  brought  to  the  grave, 
Rome's  princes,  artists  and  nobles  all, 

His  last  honors  they  all  lavishly  gave, 
And  sad  orations  said  at  his  pall. 

And  while  that  sad  cortege  homeward  returned, 

Rabbi  Chanina  in  public's  spied, 
Expounding  all  the  laws  that  he  had  learned, 

Whilst  holding  the  Torah  by  his  side. 

Then  the  Roman  spies  and  police  alert, 
Whom  this  scene  as  a  foul  crime  impressed, 

Seized  the  criminal  with  speed  most  expert, 
And  chained  him  for  the  words  he  expressed. 

Condemned  to  the  stake  to  be  burned  alive, 
His  body's  wrapped  in  the  Torah 's-scroll ! 

And  flax  o'er  his  skin  that  the  flames  may  thrive 
Whilst  on  his  heart  saturated  wool! 


31 


t  Pfjnntnn  ber  9)itirttircr. 


@o  bie  2lel)ren  urn  ifjn  angcjiinbet 
£ie  SBoKe  am  $er3en  immer  crfrifd)t 

JDamit  er  fid)  in  (Jgoni  minbet 

Unb  feine  Seele  nid)t  bnlb  enttuifd)t. 


23ater§  unenbltrfjen 
(Sd)tei  be§  SntfetjcnS  unb 

u§  ifjrem  aT?unbe;  3T(f)  @ott! 


,,9Sater!  lafe  beine  3tn[id^t  lieber! 

2Bie  fann  id^  311  jef)'n  folc^e  Gualen, 
@o  unfd^ulbig  311  [terten  bariiber? 

Sft  bic§  mit  @otte§—  fterfjt  311  malen?" 


,,9Ba3  iucire  Mr  lieber  mein  Iiebe§ 
2>a§  id)  fdiulbig  erflart  jolt  fterbcuV 
§eiben  finb  bod)  alle  fo  inie  blinb, 
a  fie  bie  £ora  aud)  berberben, 


rt)er  fid)  ber  £ora  —  SBiHen  annimmt, 
2)er  tnirb  aud)  ba§  meinige  rodjcn, 
Unb  fo  long  meine  ©eele  in  mir  glimmt 
SBill  id)  gegen  @ott  nid)t  berbredjen." 


32 


RABBI  CHANINA,  THE  MARTYR. 


The  flax  round  him  is  lit  with  fearful  blaze, 
The  wool  on  his  heart  is  e'er  kept  wet, 

His  agony's  intense,  enough  to  craze, 
But  his  soul  can't  leave  his  body  yet! 

The  Martyr's  daughter  with  horror  did  view 
Her  innocent  father's  endless  death; 

One  piercing  shriek,  that  e'er  in  volume  grew, 
Escaped  her  lips  in  one  painful  breath: 

"Father!  Recant,  and  save  thyself  from  hell — 
This  hell  thou  suff'rest  how  can  I  see, 

Innocent  to  perish  for  good  didst  tell, 
Does  thy  fate  with  God's  justice  agree?" 

' '  0  dear  child  wouldst  thou  prefer  to  behold 
Me  die,  forever  laden  with  shame? 

A  blind  darkness  these  heathen  all  enfold, 
E'en  the  innocent  Torah  feeds  the  flame! 

"Lo!   He  who  the  Torah 's  wrongs  will  avenge, 

For  me  also,  reckoning  will  take, 
My  soul  will  be  true,  this  is  my  revenge,, 

My  faith  towards  God,  I  will  never  break!" 


33 


i  Gfjnmtm  bet  SKorttjrcr. 


©etfteSgegentuart  be3  ©rofeljelben 
Sftadjt  ein  @inbru<f  auf  ben  ©dfarfrtdjter; 
fott  balb  geljolf'n  fein,  toiH'S  bir  melben, 
mir  beim  etoigen  sJtid)ter, 


a§  id^  ofyne  ©iinben  bortfjiu  t'omme 
SBo^in  bu  je^t  ge^eft  unb  fcfjeibcft, 
o  fid)  toeiben  nur  ©utc  unb  gromme, 
@o  bn  erloft  imb  nimmer  letbeft." 


^at  tfjm  sugejd^njoren  balb. 
no^m  bie  SBoEe  bom  ^ersen 
llnb  fiifyrt  bem  gcuer  gu  etne  ©einalt, 
S)Qtnit  er  fd^nelt  berlneft  ofjn'  @d)merticn. 

^n  ben  Sobernben  Setters  —  glammen 
SSorf  fid)  and)  Ijinein  ber  ©d^arfridjter, 

@o  ba§  fie  toillig  beibe  jufammen 
©djieb'n  o^ne  Siinb  unb  @d^iebe§  —  $id)ter. 


RABBI  CHANINA,  THE  MARTYR. 


The  tranquil  spirit  of  the  martyr  brave, 

His  executioner  strong  impressed: 
"From  thy  endless  suffering  thee  I  will  save, 

But  first  swear  by  the  God  thou  hast  blessed. 

"That  sinless  will  I  come  in  yonder  place, 
For  which  thou  biddest  the  world  farewell, 

Where  the  pious  ever  live  in  God's  grace, 

Where  sorrow  with  thee  no  longer  will  dwell.' 

Chanina  with  a  sacred  oath  complied, 
The  former  took  the  wool  off  his  heart, 

And  more  fuel  to  the  hungry  flames  supplied, 
Which  painless  consumed  his  mortal  part. 

In  the  fiery  mouth  of  the  hellish  flames, 

The  executioner  leaped  with  joy, 
And  both  heroes  have  left  immortal  names, 

When  they  left  th'  earth,  pure,  without  alloy. 


bid)  ntd)t  mit  fdjtoarsen  ©orgen 
2Senn  be§  @IMe§  Sonne  finft; 
SBeift  bu  nidjt'ob  bod)  ber  2ftorgen, 
Sefcen  ober  5tob  Mr  bringt? 

Safe  ben  23ater  obcn  lunltcn; 

$n  ben  3ciicn  f  cfjmerer  ftotf)  ; 
SeBen  gaB  er,  iirtb  crfjalten 

3Birb  er'§  bir,  tnenn  Unveil  brolj't. 


Bin  fefjr  reiser,  ©ottgefafliger 

iWit  bent  @:f)ren»92amen  Slban 

2)et  grofete  $)3I)iIcmtro£f)  in  feiner  3eit 

3Bar  bod)  auSgefefct  ber  23egeBen^ett, 

3Som  ft>erf)t'Ienben  @rf)icf|al  gepriift  311  fein 

93Iteb  borf)  ber  ©ottfjeit  treu,  unb  fiigt  fid)  brein. 

JR.  SofuQ'  2rftbQ  unb  ^li'jer, 

d^rlid)  mtt  i!)rem  3?egifter, 

fon[t  fiir  ^rnnfe  unb  9^ot^Ieibenben 
3u  biefem  93e^uf  fommelten 
3u  Stban  ^uban  eingefe^rt 

fie  befd)enft  mtt  tmmenfen  @aben. 


36 


THE  TRIUMPH  OF  VIRTUE. 


Let  not  mournful  cares  harass  thee, 

When  thy  sun  begins  to  sink 
Future  worries  they  distress  thee, 

Perchance  they'll  no  morrow  bring. 

Let  the  Father  care  above  you, 

In  your  time  of  greatest  care, 
He  gave  life  because  he  loves  yon, 

He  will  guard  it,  He  will  bear. 

Rich  and  God-beloved,  Aban  Yudan,  by  name, 

The  greatest  Philanthropist  of  his  time, 
To  which  contemporary  history  lays  claim, 

Was  bitterly  tried  whilst  yet  in  his  prime, 
But  trials  and  tests  that  holy  spirit  did  not  shake, 
His  attachment  to  God  no  misery  could  break ! 

Rabbi  Joshua,  Akiba  and  Eleazar, 

Went  upon  their  yearly  pilgrimage, 
To  collect  for  the  sick  and  poor  in  goodly  measure, 

In  this  charity  they'd  e'er  engage, 
And  thus  it  chanced  to  Aban  Judan  they  also  came, 
They  remembered  well  his  great  gifts  and  revered  his  name. 


37 


Set  Sitgcnb  Steg. 

@o  tooljltlwenb  lebte  er  fort  unb  fort 
3Wit  9teid)tljum  begabt,  gefegnet  bon  ©ott, 
3?t§  einc  ungetooljinlid)'  llmftaltung 
33et  ifym  bieSmal  eingetreten  in  ©rfjftwng, 
2)a  ©aaten  ber  gelber,  belter  unb  ©djcu'r 
$eimgefud^t  bom  ©titrm  unb  Brennenben  i\iin'r. 

3lffe§  in  tiefen  ©djiitt  begraben  Tn'er 

Surd)  ben  geuer§=Srunft  bie  (Sebiiube  fritlj'r, 

Sine  ^inraffenbe  @eud)c  fetn  2?iefj 

X^at  aud^  felbeS  t)ollenb§  bernidjten  friif), 

Unb  bei  biefen  Unglii(f§=©turmen  aHe 

ber  "  £>iob  "  gleid^'  fcin  <3iinb  unb  @afte. 


feinem  treuen  SSeib  unb  ^inber 
3og  cr  I)inau§  bom  SRutnen—  ^inber, 
(Sd^Iug  auf  in  einer  ©tro^fjuttc  fcin 
©rna^rtc  fid)  bon  bem  9?cfte  am 
©e§  fleinen  ©tu'cfdjen,  ba§  nod)  iibrig  tror 
9Bo  er  nod^  onbouen  fonnte  fogar. 

%a,  felbft  in  biefen  elenb  armen  Stnnb 
^ielt  er  offen  feine  gdrtlidje  $anb 
3u  berabreidjen  ^>ilflofen  bom  ^Hefte, 
SJenen  ratfyen  nub  fagen  ba§  33cfte, 
@r  ertrug  aud^  fein  ©djidffal  mil  ©ebulb 
Unb  gab  bem  9nimad)tigen  feine 


38 


THE  TRIUMPH  OF  VIRTUE. 

One  chain  of  charitable  deeds  was  the  life  he  led, 
A  life  of  God's  rich  bounty  fitly  crowned, 

Until  one  day,  Oh  sad  day  of  wrath  and  dread! 
From  richest  heights  he  fell  unto  the  ground; 

Broken,  midst  the  wretched  ruins  of  farm  and  field, 

Such  a  cruel  harvest  the  destructive  storm  did  yield. 

And  as  the  storm's  fury  with  sorrow  he  surveyed, 

By  fire  his  buildings  are  devastated, 
His  cattle  is  dying,  by  some  pest  they  are  laid, 

His  fortune  the  demons  confiscated, 
But  midst  these  catastrophes  without  and  within, 
Like  the  ancient  "Job,"  Aban  Judan  did  not  sin! 

With  his  devoted  pious  wife  and  children  true, 
He  left  the  ruins  where  they  e'rstwhile  reigned, 

Patched  up  a  poor  hovel  of  straw  and  lived  there,  too, 
From  produce  of  a  field  that  yet  remained; 

This  humble  little  field  was  now  their  all  in  all, 

Their  nourishment,  their  sole  support — Oh  such  a  fall ! 

Yea!  even  though  fallen  to  such  a  wretched  state, 
That  once  lavish  hand  he  still  open  kept, 

To  relieve  unfortunates,  soften  their  hard  fate, 
To  dry  the  streaming  eyes  of  those  who  wept, 

His  own  destiny  with  greatest  patience  he  bore, 

And  praised  the  good  Lord  as  heartily  as  of  yore. 


39 


Sitgenb  Steg. 


2In  einen  fo  fyeitern  ©ommerabenb 
©afe  er  Dor  feiner  £>iitte,  jid)  la&enb, 
SSon  [eincm  Xagetoerf  miibe  iinb  matt 
©id)  e§  benncd)  erlctubt  imb  gegb'nnt  Ijat 
@eine  ^inber  rnti  Se^rreicfj'n  Seftteren 
Sn  unter^alten  imb  anjufiiljren. 


3f[§  er  |)I6^Iic^  tnne  ^altenb  fid^  bann 
SSerlor  nad;benfenb  unb  bie  3^t  getnann 
Sn  ben  grofeen  Slnblidfe  mit  SSonne 
©er  majeftdtifd)  untergefjenb'n  ©onne; 
meine  ^inber!.E)abt  if)r  ba§  33ilb 
fd)eibenben  grommen  bom  grbenfdjtlb; 


SBie  bie  ©onne  geiribmet  ©otte§  —  2)ien[t'n 
^re  ©djritte  nid)t  ^emmen  Idfeft  im  9Ktnb'ftn 
§tu§  bem  ^origonte  lagfam  fdjeibet, 
97ad)  bem  llntergang  im  3Wonbe  toeibet, 
©o  bc§  f)in|d]eibenben  ^rommen  —  %f)aten 
bie  ^oditeelt  juriirfloBt  bie  CSoaten." 


Crr  toottte  feinen  Ijordienben 
£ie)e§  trefflidje  23ilb  toeir'r  befignen. 
9II§  cr  plotjlid)  biird)'n  9?a6binen 
Tie  jnfjrlirf)  urn  Spennb'n  anfjielten 
2>on  bor  gerne,  iiberra[d)t!  gebogen 
^n  feiner  £>iitte  fid) 

40 


THE  TRIUMPH  OF  VIRTUE. 

In  the  cool  of  eve  of  a  mellow  summer  day, 

Aban  Judan  sat  before  the  humble  hut, 
Although  worn  and  weary  with  work  unto  whose  way 

He  was  not  accustomed,  nor  the  toiler's  rut, 
To  instruct  his  family  he  yet  took  delight, 
With  loving  words  to  teach  what's  wrong  and  what  is  right 

That  pleasant  family  discourse  he  sudden  stopped, 

And  lost  himself  in  deep  contemplation, 
Of  the  majestic  sundown  which  he  did  adopt, 

As  text  to  arouse  imagination; 
"Hear  ye,  my  children,  this  is  the  image  I  ween 
Of  the  pious  man  parting  from  the  earthly  scene, 

Just  as  the  Sun  to  God's  worship  all  devoted, 

Never  falters  in  its  course  nor  delays 
From  our  horizon  as  'tis  slowly  promoted, 

Lends  the  Queen  of  night  its  daily  rays; 
So  the  good  deeds  the  pious  man  has  left  behind, 
Yield  their  good  seeds  to  benefit  future  mankind!" 

He  wished  still  further  to  expatiate  on  this  theme, 

So  glorious  and  rich  in  moral  fruit, 
When  he  suddenly  started  as  awakened  from  a  dream, 

By  faces  so  well  known  to  him  forsooth, — 
The  Rabbins  who  just  made  to  him  their  yearly  course — 
With  sad  troubled  heart  he  slunk  in  his  hut  perforce. 


41 


Ser  Sugcnb  Stcg. 

),  feine  liebe,  fromme  ©attin 
mit  93eforgni§  iljn  gefragt  ben  ©inn  ; 
,,2Barum  auf  einmal  nieber  gefdjIagenV 
£fm'  e3  mtr  bod)  mittfyeilen  uiib  fagen! 
SBarft  bu  bod)  immer  fo  fefyr  bcfdjeiben 
Hub  gefiigig  in  Qffen  Seibcn." 

£>,  mein  fromme§,  tf)eure§  SBeib  iinb  Iicbe§! 
6§  mirft  auf  mid)  fjeiite  etft)a§  triibeg, 
®tc  fjerannaljenben  JRabbinen  bort 
llm  i^re  @aben  auf3iinel)men  fort 
Sd)  e§  gerab'  bieSmal  mufe  cntbe^r-en 
2)iefe§  tnad)t  mid)  franfen,  mod)t 


Xtoftenb  fprad^  feine  ©attin  jefct  gu  i 

,,^8alb  foil  gefyoben  fein  bein  Sdjmer^  unb  ©rimm 

33erfaufen  roir  bie  ^dlft'  unfreS 

Unb  bon  bem  im  93efifc  unfreS 

S)ie§  luir  ben  Wrmen  geben  al§  93eitrag 

Unb  ©ott  f)alf  un§  mit  bem  fleinen  Srtrog!" 


bem  9tat()  feiner  ©atttn  einbcrftanb'n 
@ab  bem  sXnfommenb'n  bon  bern  ba§  bor^anb'n, 
SJSorauf  fie  i^m  ben  ©egen  ert^eilen! 
,,9J?oge  ber  Snimadjtige  bid)  Jjeilen! 
®a§  er  bir  aufiige  einen  @rfa^!" 
Unb  iibertreffe  bein  bor^erig'n 


42 


THE  TRIUMPH  OF  VIRTUE. 

Sarah,  his  pious  wife,  sharer  of  his  sorrow, 
With  great  solicitude  asked  of  her  spouse, 

''What  trouble  is  there  so  great  your  mind  does  harrow? 
Such  melancholy  spirits  does  arouse, 

You  who  were  hitherto  to  all  things  so  resigned, 

What  trouble  has  happened  thus  to  depress  your  mind?" 

' '  Oh  dear  beloved  wife  who  art  my  comfort  ever, 

My  sorrow  is  really  too  great  to  bear, 
See  the  Rabbins  now  are  coming  to  'the  giver,' 

Who  now,  alas!  has  naught  at  all  to  spare; 
Oh  this  sorrow  touches  me  in  a  vital  spot! 
I  overcame  everything  but  this  I  cannot!" 

His  true  wife  thereupon  comforted  him  and  said: 
"Grieve  no  longer,  your  sorrow  hence  shall  cease, 

We  will 'sell  half  our  field,  although  it  is  our  bread, 
There  is  suffering  much  worse  we  can  ease, 

And  thus  we'll  help  the  poor  who  e'er  with  us  abide, 

And  as  for  small  dependence,  God  will  provide!" 

With  the  good  counsel  of  his  wife  in  harmony, 
To  the  Rabbins  the  field's  proceeds  he  gave, 

And  they  blessed  him,  for  his  kindly  heart  they  did  see, 
And  were  touched  at  a  sacrifice  so  brave, 

' '  May  the  Almighty  prosper  you  in  all  y.our  ways, 

And  may  your  wealth  be  greater  than  in  ancient  days!" 


43 


©teg. 

3n  briicfenber  ttott)  lebfe  er  fo  fort 
3>n  jenem  einfamen  unljeimlid)'n  £)ri, 
S2H3  er  an  einen  fdjonen  gruljlingstag 
®ea<f  rt  unb  bem  $ferbd)en  gefolgt  mtt 
£)a£  SjSferbdjen  auf  einmal  sufammen  brad) ! 
S)a  ftaub  er  traurig,  Derstnetfett  bielfad). 

@r  tnenbet  fid)  um,  511  retten  ba3  Slier, 
SIB  ifjm  etn  2)iamant  geleua^tet  i)ier. 
(£r  fd^arrte  in  ben  gurdjen  toeiter  fort 
llnb  fiet) !  e§  lag  ein  f d^rt)erer  Soften  bort, 
©er  nun  boU  mit  (Mb  unb  (Sbelfteinen 
t,  unb  tfjut  fa^immernb  fjertiorfdjeinen ! 

bie§  etn  ginger^eig  unb  ©ott§ — 
SBeil  er  bom  2Beg  ©ott§  nid)t  t^at  toeicfyen 
@r  marb  jetat  ein  ungetjeu'r  reidjer  5D2ann 
Unb  fiat  e§  aud)  nidjt  unterlafj'n  bortan 
Xaufenbcn  2Irmen  ©tii^e  su  bereit'n 
Unb  blicb  ber  greigiebigfte  aHer  Qeit'n 

Der  gromme  ift  jdjon  id'ngjt  gefdjteben, 
Sluf  (Jrben  raeilet  er  nifyt  me^r ! 
beffen  2J?iIbe  ftra^It  Fjinteben 
toenn  er  nicfjt  geftorben  luiir. 
SBtr  ^reifen  ifjn  fiir  feine  Stfyaten 
(Sr  lebt  in  unferem  ^erjen  fort 
Unb  bliitjenb  finb  bie  Xugenbfaatert 
©te  T  geftreut  bvtrd)  Xfyat  unb  SSort. 

44 


THE  TRIUMPH  OF  VIRTUE. 

In  dire  distress,  reduced  to  poverty  extreme, 
In  that  poor  place  he  led  his  lonesome  life, 

When  on  one  bright  spring  day  whilst  plowing  with  his  team, 
Misfortune's  woes  again  for  him  were  rife, — 

His  good  horse  of  a  sudden  fell  and  broke  a  limb, 

And  there  he  stood  despairing,  to  him  all  was  dim. 

He  roused  himself  and  turned  to  save  his  trusty  steed, 
When  his  eyes  were  dazzled  by  a  diamond's  gleam, 

He  poked  all  around  the  ground  he  had  plowed,  with  speed, 
Behold  from  a  jewel-case  a  shining  stream, 

A  jewel-case  filled  with  brightest  gold  and  diamonds  rare, 

Most  precious  treasure,  of  value  beyond  compare! 

See  the  works  of  Providence,  the  finger  of  God ! 

The  reward  for  him  of  an  upright  heart, 
He  was  now  the  richest  man  in  every  regard, 

That  e'er  in  the  world  played  a  noble  part; 
Countless  thousands  from  his  bounty  now  were  living, 
He's  unequalled  in  history  for  ever  giving! 

Behold  the  pious  man  hath  long  since  departed. 

On  this  earth  in  earthly  form  he 's  no  more ; 
But  the  sunshine  of  his  life,  a  life  good-hearted, 

Still  cheers  us  and  warms,  e'en  now  as  yore; 
As  though  death  had  never  removed  him  from  our  lives, 

He  lives  with  us,  his  deeds  we  daily  praise, 
And  in  our  hearts  his  fond  memory  richly  thrives, 

On  the  fertile  soil  of  bis  words  and  ways. 

•46 


STIejanb'r  ber  ©rofee,  SWajebont'r  genant, 

2luf  einen  feiner  glang  Striumbfoiige 
Gr  mtt  fetnem  ®rteg§  —  Sdjaar  bet  cincm  33ad)e§  —  9?anb 

9tuf)e  ge^flegt  nad)  bcm  erfam^ften  8iegc. 

23on  bem  S)ur|te  be^Iagt  unb  eincr  Sftiibtgfcit 

95erfurf)t  er,  fid)  bom  Staffer  311  laben, 
(5§  berurforfit  tfjm  ^unger  uitb  Sabferfeit 

Unb  tn'oHte  eth)a§  311  G]'fcn 


(Jr  befall  bafjer  fetnem  Wiener  mtr  une  fd}neH 
SSon  ben  benad)bart'n  35?ilb'n  tun§  311 

ganb  jebod)  nur  fdjledjte  5ild)c  an  iencr 
Gr  fie  in  93ad)  311  toudjn  anbcfol)lcn 

2lHe§  ftaunte  iiber  ben  @efd)madE  ber  gifd)e, 
®a§  ba§  SBaffer  befonberS  berurfadjt, 

3tleranber  befdjlofe  tua^renb  bei  bcm  £ifd)e 
3luf3itfinben  bcu  dueH  Urfprung  unb  9 


Wit  bem  ©djroerte  Ijaltenb  in  feiner  red)tcn$anb 
3ie^t  er  in  bie  Ijolje  ©ebirg§fette 

^n  ben  derobeten,  Urilben  unb  h?uften  Sanb, 
^n  ©d)lud)ten  unb  fo  finftcre  ©tatte. 


THE  CRANIUM. 


Alexander  the  Great,  the  Macedonian  of  renown, 

On  one  of  his  triumphal  marches  leading, 
His  great  warrior-host  by  the  edge  of  a  stream  they  sat  down, 

For  rest  that  after  battle  they  were  needing. 

He  was  plagued  by  thirst  and  weary  even  unto  death, 
So  with  that  water  he  quenched  his  burning  fire, 

His  awful  thirst  was  now  slaked,  revived,  he  drew  a  long  breath, 
But  now  fierce  hunger  oppressed  him  with  desire. 

He  straightway  to  his  ready  servants  gave  a  quick  command, 
From  the  neighboring  woods  him  some  food  to  bring, 

He  espied  some  unedible  fish  lying  on  the  sand, 
Which  he  commanded  them  in  the  stream  to  fling. 

These  same  fishes  when  from  the  water  retaken  and  cooked, 
Astonished  all  who  ate  with  their  taste  so  prime, 

During  the  meal  Alexander  at  the  stream  looked  and  looked, 
Resolved  to  find  the  source  of  its  power  sublime! 

With  sw»rd  in  hand  and  grim  determination  in  his  mind, 

He  plunged  impetuously  the  thickets  through, 
In  that  desolately  wasted  country  resolved  to  find, 

Midst  deeply  yawning  chasms  of  sombre  hue, 


Unermiiblirf),  feften  @d)ritte§  fefcte  er  fort, 

^n  ber  unljeimltrfj'n  ©egenb  brirfjt  er  93af)n, 
3II§  er  blb'fclid)  eine  gang  berfrfjloffene  $fort' 
^alt!  311  madden,  fiat  toarnen  get^an! 


Der  gorfcfjer  ta^enb  in  finftern  S3oben 
28arb  auf  etnmal  iiBerrai^t  imb  [tammelt! 

2)a  e§  ber  SSoIjnfifc  ber  5tobten  bort  berfe^t, 

.Qonnt  Tticfit  gefien,  ber  SSeg  toarb  ifim  berrcrmmelt. 


porfjte  an  ber  berj'cfjloffenen 
Oeffne!  id)  bin  ^onig  STIejanber, 

aitd)  fein  einer  Iebenben8orte, 
£)ber  ein  Stobten  —  9teid)  mit  einanber 


bir  ftef)t  ber  grofee  SSelteroberer, 

in  ber  ©bertoelt  gleidjt  einem  ©oft, 
38ef)   bem   berft?egenen   ^erauSforbcrer, 
mir  bieten  foTIte  Xro%  ober  abort!" 


®aum  er  aber  feine  ©rotjung  beenbet, 
?ll§  bie  e^erne  $fort'  i^re  ^ieg'I  fbrengt 

grauf§  ©efbenft  ber  5Berbjefung  fid)  tnenbet 
Wober,  Seid)'nbitnft  in  feiner  ffiirfirung  lenft. 


THE  CRANIUM. 


Unwearied  in  his  eagerness  he  e'er  increased  his  pace, 
Through  that  uncanny  region  he  broke  his  way, 

Until  a  solid  gate  suddenly  stared  him  in  the  face, 

And  called  to  him  "Hold!  no  further  canst  thou  stray!" 

The  bold  explorer  now  crept  upon  the  ground,  there  to  look, 

When  he  exclaimed  with  involuntary  start, 
"Here  is  the  abode  of  the  dead!"  and  further  steps  he  took, 

But  all  is  closely  walled — hence  he  must  depart! 

He  then  knocked  at  the  gate  in  his  bold  imperious  way, 

"Open  here!  I  am  Alxeander  the  king, 
Be  ye  living  flesh  and  blood  or  merely  remains  of  clay, 

It  matters  naught  to  me  to  what  forms  ye  cling. 

Before  you,  majestic  stands,  the  conquerer  of  the  world, 
Who  e'en  in  the  higher  world  ranks  as  a  God, 

Woe  will  be  unto  that  rebellious  and  dastardly  churl 
Who  refuses  to  obey  at  my  mere  nod!" 

But  his  haughty  and  threatening  tirade  was  hardly  ended, 
When  back  sprang  the  bolts  from  that  great  oaken  gate, 

And  a  marrow-freezing  ghost  toward  his  direction  wended, 
With  the  stench  of  the  grave  in  a  sick'ning  state. 


49 


(Serud)  grinft  ifyn  an  unb  berbreitet  fid), 
9Zad)benfenb  unb  Derblifft  ftnnb  er  imb  afjnt, 
0  einc  biirre  ®nod)enf)anb  bebenflid) 
Gnnen  £obtenfd)ab'I  aurtrirft  unb  tfyn  mal)nt: 


,,$intt)eg,  fteige  Ijmcmf  mit  biefem 


ber  33eljaufimg  be§  elDigcn  Sdjatt'nftiidE, 
ber  Ie6enben,  bu  ©terbltdjer!" 


inaren  biefc  SSorte 
3tt§  bie  flirrenbe  ^forte  fid)  frfjliefjt; 
5flejanber  trie  bom  93Ii^e  getroffen 

bann  ^eimtncirtg  too  ber  Sad)  fliefet. 


biefem  ©djabTftiide  in  feiner 
Sangte  er  311  feinen  Ceuten  on, 
Grr  frogte  bie  SBetfen  nad)  ifyrem  SSerftanb, 
SSa§  jene§  SBunber  bebcuten  fann. 


fommtlidien  ©elef)rten  touften  bod)  nid)t 
Sie[e§  ge^eime  ^atlji'l,  311  Ib'fen, 
§  ein  jiibifdjer  ©elefjrte  ban  gab  2id)t 
Unb  fagte  bem  ^onig  bal  SSefen. 


50 


THE  CRANIUM. 


The  vile  sepulchral  smell  overpowered  him  and  oppressed 
Him  to  thoughtfulness,  foiled  and  beaten  he  stared, 

When  a  clammy  cold  skeleton  hand  in  his  own  hand  pressed 
The  cranium  of  a  dead  one  and  declared: 

' '  Get  thee  hence !  and  take  this  cranium  in  thy  possession, 
Avaunt!  from  the  home  of  eternal  mystery, 

In  this  shadow-land,  there's  no  progress  but  retrogression, 
Mortal!  get  back  to  the  world  of  history!" 

Hardly  had  these  ominous  words  by  the  dead  been  spoken, 
When  with  a  rumbling  noise  the  gate  shut  again, 

Alexander  felt,  as  though  by  a  lightning  stroke  broken, 
And  turned  his  steps  toward  the  stream,  back  to  his  men. 

He  went  back  to  his  men  with  the  cranium  in  his  hand, 
And  demanded  of  his  counselors  who  were  wise, 

If  his  marvelous  tale  they  were  able  to  understand, 
And  solve  him  the  myst'ry  that  caused  surprise. 

His  most  learned  Sages,  however,  no  solution  could  give, 
Of  the  puzzling  problem  that  perplexed  them  all, 

Until  at  length  a  Jewish  Sage  who  a  long  time  did  live, 
Brought  them  light  where  erst  the  dark  shadows  did  fall. 


51 


Tic  .fnrnfdjalc. 

@rei§  legte  ben  @d)ab'I  auf  eincr  SBage, 
2egt  afle  @eurid)tcr  auf  bie  ©djale 
5>ermodjt'n  jebod)  nid)t  aufeiuDteg'n  bie  Sago 
@o  ba§  2(ttc§  ftaunt  mit  einem  Wale. 


3obann  nafym  ber  OJrei§  ein  bi§cf)en  ©rbenfanb 
llnb  ftreut  cc-  auf  beni  Sdjobel  obcn  an, 
23?age  fan!  nicbcr,  unb  ber  ©rei*  geftonb: 
ier,  D  ^ontg!  licgt  bie  7>euhmg  Doran, 


Tit  f)aft  bid)  iDoIiI  sum  ^eltcrob'rer  erljob'n 
.^aft  bid)  ab'r  in  beinem  3tol3'  bergeffen! 
Urn  bid)  311  crinnern  on  bein  ftolse?  £ob'n 
bir  ©ott  anbeitten  bein  SSermeffen: 


2J?it  ber  ^irnfdjale,  a\§>  ©it  ber 

Sn  bem  Seben  regiert  mit  freier  2ftad)t 

menn  tobt,  ift  ber  ®ei[t  ol)ite  ^^Qtigfeit, 
Unb  bift  nur  Staub  itnb  311  3taub  iin'rft  gebradit' 


'Seine  $i\tie  ift  nur  8taub; 
d),  n?ie  htr3  ift  boc^  ba§  Seben! 
33alb  bift  bit  ben  SBitrmern  iHaub. 


bu  fo  ()od)  geboron 
5fngcfe^en,  grofe  unb  reid), 
3u  3SergdngItc^feit  crforen 

ber  2obt  nn§  nffe  gleid). 

52 


THE  CRANIUM. 

The  hoary  Sage  placed  the  mystic  cranium  on  a  scale, 
And  put  all  the  weights  in  the  balance  against, 

But  the  combined  weight  of  the  stones  proved  all  of  no  avail, 
All  marveled  that  the  cranium  such  weight  condensed. 

The  wise  old  man  then  took  just  a  handful  of  common  sand, 
And  strewed  it  over  the  cranium's  shining  crown, 

The  scale  at  once  sank  as  though  it  burst  its  powerful  band, 
"Thus  'tis  solved,  0  King!"  cried  the  Sage  of  renown. 

"Thou  hast  indeed  as  world-conquerer  attained  immortal  fame, 
But  hast  forgotten  in  thy  o'erweening  pride, 

It  is  in  order  to  remind  thee  of  man's  mortal  shame, 
That  the  All-power  caused  this,  thee  to  betide. 

"This  cranium  is  the  symbol  of  wisdom  all  pervading, 

Its  dominion  in  life  is  free  absolute, 
But  gone  is  the  spirit  creative  when  death's  invading, 

From  dust  it  was  brought,  to  the  dust  restitute! 

' '  Why  inflated  with  vanity,  dost  lift  thy  head  with  pride  ? 

Thy  pompous  role  is  naught  but  the  clinging  dust, 
Alas !   How  short  are  the  fleeting  years  thou  hast  to  abide, 

Soon  thy  corse  will  be  a  prey  to  the  worm's  lust. 

"Be  thou  ever  so  great,  and  born  of  a  noble  estate, 

Well  regarded,  with  great  riches  at  thy  call, 
Yet  canst  thou  not  hope  to  escape  mortal  man's  common  fate, 

And  'tis  cruel  death  that  levels  the  ranks  of  all!" 

53 


bcr 


^n  bcr  SBiege  be3  menfdjlidjen  8cmbe£ 
3m  ©iib'n  9tfin'§,  einc§  S33crgen—  jftanbe* 
2Beibete  bie  ©djafe  ein  ^iiben—  $irt, 
S)er  taglid)  gefpeift  luarb  Don  cnicin  ilVirtfj 

S)er  2BirtI)  befal)!  jeiner  £od)ter,  311  trag'n 
2)em  Bitten  bie  Speifen,  |ie  mogc 
S)a§  folgfame  2>?dbd)en  gieitg  banu 
^n  ben  benad)tbarten  Itegenben  SBalb. 


2)ie  ©onne  jrfjien  gudiillig  fo  je^r 
2)a§  2)Jdbd)en  bcgofe  nirf)t  rtienig  ber 
©ie  becirrte  fid)  im  23albe  aud)  jetgt 
Unb  Dor  2)ur[t  ifjre  ^ef)I  fdimad)tet  iinb 


@ie  jdjaut  um  einen  ibrunnen  311  erblicf'  it 
Um  iljrc  trod'ne  3unge  ju  erquid'n 
Slber  itmfonft  fie  ftianbert  immer  fort 
3n  biefem  oben,  unfjeimlidjen  Ort. 

2>d)on  h)ottt'  eine  C^nmadjt  itbermanncn 
Die  UnglMIidje  !fid)  bod)  tfjat  flammen, 
Unb  einen  23runnen  311  erblid'n  Dermod)tc 
©ie  raffte  fid)  ^in,  unb  i^r  §er3  pod)te  ! 


REWARD  OF  FAITHFULNESS. 


In  the  Orient,  the  cradle  of  the  human  race, 
Some  spot  in  Southeastern  Asia,  a  mountainous  place, 
A  poor  Jewish  shepherd,  his  flock  was  wont  to  lead, 
And  a  neighboring  rich  host  daily  supplied  his  need. 

That  generous  host  told  his  daughter  to  bring 

The  food  to  the  poor  shepherd  and  every  needful  thing; 

The  obedient  daughter  very  joyfully  went, 

On  the  path  of  mercy,  to  the  woods  where  she  was  sent. 

The  sun  shone,  a  certain  day,  with  a  heat  most  intense, 
The  maiden,  bathed  in  perspiration,  found  no  defense, 
By  the  heat  overcome,  in  the  woods  she  lost  her  way^ 
And  now  to  a  burning  thirst  the  poor  child  fell  a  prey. 

She  looked  .hither  and  thither,  may  hap  a  well  she'd  espy, 
To  relieve  her  agony  of  thirst,  her  tongue  was  so  dry! 
But  in  vain  was  her  seeking,  she  feebly  tottered  on, 
In  that  dry,  deserted  place  till  her  strength  was  near  gone. 

Her  strength  was  almost  exhausted,  oblivion  sought, 

To  rob  her  of  consciousness,  but  yet  again  she  fought — 

For  there  at  a  distance,  she  at  last  espied  a  well, 

She  struggled  to  reach  it  and  her  heart  with  hope  did  swell. 


55 


2)er  23runnen  fdjien  gegrab'n  tuorben  gu  fein 
SSon  ®ar'ftmnen,  ®ameele  gu  tranf'n  brein, 
25iefe  Sntbedung  gaB  il)r  2Rutf)  unb 
neue  Belebt,  [te  fii)  je^t  fiinrafft. 


S5od()  ein  @imer  tear  bort  nid()t  311  fe^en 
llnb  ba§  @cf)Qpfen  fonnte  nid^t  gcfrfjefien, 
^ebod)  am  anberen  33runnenecfe  —  ^eil 
Grrbltcfte  jie  einen  fe^r  langen  @etl-. 

2)en  ©eil  um  ben  Ceib  fid^  medjanifd)  banb, 
Sie§  fid)  in  bie  £ief  '  fyinab  unb  ber[d)lnanb  ; 
Itnberle^t  erreidjie  fie  bie  SSafferfldc^e 
Unb'  labte  ifjr  ^erg  in  ifirer 


9}on  biefer  ©rube  gu  flammen  f)inau§ 
SSar  e§  je^t  iljre  5lufgabe  burdjau^; 
9Bar  bod)  fein  fd)neEe§  2>?iitel  bei  ber 
®a§  fie  fid)  3U  retten  toore  in  ftanb. 


3u  bem  £immel  i^re  ^anbe  ftrecfenb: 
©djrie  um  einer  ^ilfe  ba»  erfdjrecfenb, 
Bum  2IIImad)tigen  i^r  Slug'  geridjtet 
Unb  inbrinftig  if)r  ©ebet  berridjtet. 


56 


REWARD  OF  FAITHFULNESS. 


It  seems  that  that  refreshing  well  by  travelers  was  dug, 
Caravans  gave  their  camels  drink  and  filled  their  own  jug — 
Her  discovery  supplied  her  with  a  new-born  strength, 
And  revived,  with  renewed  efforts  she  reached  it  at  length. 

But  strange  fatality!    No  pail  was  there  to  be  seen! 
Of  no  means  of  drawing  living  water  could  she  wean, 
At  one  side  of  the  old  stone  well  in  a  corner  lying, 
There  she  saw^  a  long  rope  which  could  aid  her  by  tying. 

The  rope  around  her  waist  she  mechanically  drew, 

When  alas!  with  sudden  impetus,  it  headlong  threw 

The  poor  maiden  in  the  well,  from  its  black  depths  she  cried 

To  the  All-merciful  Father  with  her  to  abide. 

From  this  pit  her  whole  mind  with  one  idea  sought  to  flee, 
Her  whole  body,  too,  she  nerved  with  strength  to  make  it  free, 
Yet  with  all  her  trying  no  escape  could  she  find, 
Here  she  was  enchained  nor  could  she  with  her  power  unbind. 

Her  eyes  now  heavenward  gazed,  with  outstretched  arms  now  she 

prayed, 

Aloud  she  begged  Divine  aid  to  come  to  a  poor  maid, 
Toward  the  Almighty,  her  tearful  eyes  now  turned  with  pleading, 
To  Him  who  every  cry  most  gracious  e'er  is  heeding. 

57 


fioljn  ber  $renc. 


,,2nimad)tig'r  ©djatofer!  Ijabe  erbarmen 
Ueb'r  mid)  nnb  meine  Crltern  bie  2frmcn; 
i8ett)etf'  bie§mal  grofce  SBunber  beine 
llnb  rettc  meine  ©eel',  meine  reine!" 


S5*ege§  fdfjreitel  ein  ^iibfcfjer  Bungling 
SBitmmern  au§  ber  2ief  gab  ifjm  ein 
^a§  bort  etlDa?  fd)re(flid^e§  fid)  abftnelt 
©nttneb'r  3Worb  ober  jemanb  ITQ§  abjielt. 


ftarren  Slirfen  fd^out  er  bort  Ijinein, 
(rin  grauengei'tattt  bemerft  er  bort  fein: 
,,Sprid)!  rt)er  bift  bu,  bon  ©efpenfter  2lrten 
Cber  e§  Stduber  bid)  £)ter  berfdjarrten?" 

"®it  D'lettungS—  (Sng'I  in  menfdjlidjer  ©eftattt 

nirfjt;  bcnn  mein  6nbe  fommt  fd)on  balb. 
gefdjttrinb  —  gefd)h;inb  rette  bu  mid)! 
Sine  2ftenfd)Itd)e  @eele  bittet  bid). 

2>er  Bungling  fid)  bann  Ija[tig  anfdjirfte 
Itnb  jog  balb  IjerauS  bie  23erungliirfte. 
S^re  rote  2Bangen  unb  fd)6ne  ©eftattt 

i§n  entjiidt,  berliebt  fid)  an  iljr  balb. 


58 


REWARD  OF  FAITHFULNESS. 


"Almighty  Creator,  I  pray  thee  compassion  take 
Upon  me,  thy  poor  hand-maid,  for  my  parents'  sake 
Reveal  now  to  me  thy  ever  wondrous  saving  power 
And  preserve  my  innocent  life  at  this  fearful  hour." 

A  young  man  blithe  of  heart,  lightly  sauntered  on  that  road, 
From  the  depths  heard  that  cry  which  he  knew  no  good  did  bode, 
He  knew  that  something  horrible  must  cause  that  crying, 
Either  some  one  was  being  robbed,  or  slowly  dying. 

As  one  spell-bound,  in  the  black  depths  of  that  well  he  gazed, 
And  there  beheld  a  woman's  form  and  was  amazed, 
"O  speak  what  being  art  thou,  is  it  a  ghost  I  see? 
Or  a  human  being,  and  did  robbers  there  cast  thee?" 

"Oh  thou  preserving  angel  in  human  form,  I  pray 
Delay  not  to  save,  in  mercy's  name  thou  must  not  stay, 
Hasten!  hasten!  Oh  for  pity's  sake  quickly  save  me; 
Behold  my  bitter  tears !  a  human  soul  pleads  to  thee ! ' ' 

The  young  man  with  great  celerity  did  now  proceed 
To  rescue  the  forlorn  maiden  in  such  urgent  need, 
Her  remarkably  beautiful  face  and  handsome  form, 
Enchanted  him  and  fairly  took  his  young  heart  by  storm. 


n  bcr 


,,sJiun  mein  Seb'ng  —  letter  ma§  foil  bein  Sofyn  fein? 
Sprid)  often!  id)  will  bir  fonft  alle*  meift'n." 
,,£ein  Iiebe§  $er3d)en  mill  id)  fjaben 
Sprad)  be§  S"«nen  —  Wunb,  fonft  fcinc  Cftnbcn!" 


fonften  ^ddjeln  fie  i^m  ermiebcrt: 
,,sj)?einft  bu  311  fein  berfdjroeftert,  derbriibert? 
Dbcr  al§  ©attin  bir  Xreue  fc^more? 
%d)  c§  and)  einftimmig  bir 


Son  bicfem  im  2BaIbe  ein  ijiebes  —  23anb 
^at  fid)  be§  Bungling  —  ^erj  511  ©iinb'n  entbrannt 
Ginc  Ucberrebimg§  —  ©ud^t  gab  fid)  fiinb 
bem  faft  aitternben  ^tingling  —  9J?unb! 


eg  gelang  ifyr,  feine  Qilut^  311 

Unb  burt^  SKoral  —  2Sorte  iljn  einne^men; 

2d)moren  fid)  eine  eroige  Xreue 

breier  2)inge  auf'S  neue: 


(iin  28iefeld)en,  ba§  Poriiber  gefdjroebt; 
2>en  ^immel  bo  er  geroife  emig  lebt 
Unb  ben  33runnen  im  unljeimlidjen  SBalb 
3Tuf  ba§  fie  iljr  5Ibfd)ieb  genommen  balb. 


60 


REWARD  OF  FAITHFULNESS. 


"Dear  preserver  of  my  life,  how  shall  I  reward  thee, 
Prithee  tell  me  what  thou  wilt,  all  things  I'll  afford  thee." 
"Thy  heart  I  wish,  thy  love  as  my  only  recompense, 
Spoke  the  youth,  this  I  call  reward  in  the  best  sense." 

With  the  sweetest  of  smiles  the  maiden  softly  replied: 
"Wilt  be  to  me  as  a  brother  at  a  sister's  side, 
Or  dost  thou  wish  me  for  thy  wife,  truly  and  for  aye? 
To  this  also  I'll  give  consent,  nor  will  say  thee  nay." 

The  harmless  spark  of  love  that  in  the  silent  woods  was  born 
Soon  fanned  in  fierce  blaze  the  youth's  heart  by  passion  torn 
With  palpitating  heart  he  sought  the  maiden  to  seduce, 
And  trembling  lips  stammered  words  her  love  to  induce. 

The  virtuous  maiden  with  great  tact,  nevertheless, 

And  with  soothing  words  of  morality  did  suppress, 

The  youth's  hellish  flames  that  threatened  to  consume  them  both. 

They  each  swore  faithfulness  and  three  witnessed  their  oath. 

A  little  weasel  that  just  then  rapidly  ran  by 

The  eternal  witness  of  all  transactions,  the  blue  sky, 

And  the  innocent  cause  of  it  all,  that  fateful  well, 

"These,"  said  they,  "are  witnesses  to  our  oath,  now  farewell!" 


61 


fioljtt  bcr  Srcuc. 


2H§  fie  im  ©IternljauS  angelangt  toar 
©pielte  fid)  ab  jammer  itnb  greube  gar 
£o§  2ftdbcf)en  ertuartet  iljr'n  ©rfjafc 
@o  ba§  e§  ifjr  tuurbe  unertragltd^. 


@§  bergingen  aurf)  SBod^en  unb 
@r  lafjt  tion  firf)  fetne  ®purcn  beuten; 
Summer  unb  ©ramm,  au§  ©rfjam  ja^rte  i^r 
^offcnb  unb  fjarrenb  in  elDtgen 


S)er  Bungling  f)at  bie  ©efii^Ie  berle^t, 
®a  er  fidfj  an  einer  anbern  ergofct! 
@r  ^atte  aud^  gefyeiratet  nitfjt  mtnbcr 
Unb  ergcigte  mit  iljr  aucf)  gleidE)  ^inber. 


@ie  IcBten  fo  gliidlid)  eine  lange 
ein  befonb'rer  Bufafl  fie  entjaieit  : 
einmal  bie  ^inber  in  ber  SSiege 

@rf)Iummerten  rufiig  mie  bie  UeBrige, 


Xrat  ein  SSiefelrfjen  fjeretn  im 
Unb  rtiirgte  eine§  311  tob  auf  immcr! 
25a§  jtueite  bei  einen  33runen  gef|)ielt 
3:el  bort  ^inein  unb  feinen  £ob  ersielt. 


62 


REWARD  OF  FAITHFULNESS. 


When  at  length  she  reached  her  home  and  told  her  parents  all, 

Tears  and  smiles  did  alternate  at  all  that  did  befall, 

The  lass  now  eagerly  awaited  the  loving  youth, 

And  her  heart  fairly  sickened  as  though  it  guessed  the  trath. 

First,  weeks  went  by,  then  months,  and  the  seasons  came  and  went, 
No  sign  of  her  lover!    Was  love's  flame  so  quickly  spent? 
Sorrow  and  despair  now  preyed  upon  her  loving  heart, 
She  hoped  against  hope  and  felt  desertion's  poisoned  dart. 

The  youthful  lover  soon  forgot  his  love,  broke  his  vow, 
For  his  heart  was  taken  by  another  fair  one  now, 
And,  as  if  to  crown  his  perfidy,  married  her  too, 
Despite  his  sin  their  union  was  blessed  by  children  two. 

Thus  happily  they  lived  for  many  a  goodly  year, 
Until  a  peculiar  occurrence  caused  them  to  fear, 
When  on  a  certain  day  whilst  the  children  soundly  slept, 
A  little  weasel  to  the  babe's  cradle  softly  crept. 

That  little  weasel  that  furtively  slunk  in  the  room, 

Choked  the  poor  baby  to  death,  such  was  its  fearful  doom ! 

Their  other  child  also  who  went  by  the  well  and  played, 

Fell  therein  and  was  drowned,  thus  the  two  by  death  were  laid. 


63 


fioljn  bcr  Sreue. 


SDer  SSater  im  ©ramm  fid)  jefct  erinnert, 
$a§  ifjn  Me  ©trafe  b,eimfud)enb  fiimmer 
SDa  er  bem  Sltfabdjen  gefdjtooren  fjat 
Unb  fie  berlaffen,  bie§  er  Bereite. 

(fr  entberfte  e§  bteSmal  feiner  grau, 
®ie  i^m  ben  9tatf)  gtBt  borallem  genait: 
©ie  gefetslic^  ^ier  511  fdjeiben  fofort 
Unb  bie  ©efrcinfte  311  ^eirat^en  bort. 

S)er  treunergeffene  i^ann  reifte  ab 
3ur  Srften  gwriicfe  mit  @ut  unb 

er  bort  angelangt,melbet  er  fief), 
ein  9frat  oiler  $eilfimbe 


2)a§  3Wdbc^en   berstoeifelt  ant  23ett   liegenb 
©rblidft  ben  Bungling  mit  ^dnben  ringenb.: 
,,$er3eiljung,  SSergebung  bu  Sng'I§  —  ©efcfjlerfjt  ! 
2)u  bift  unfcrjulbig  unb  id)  ungererfjt." 

2)a§  3D?abrf)en  ftiirb  barauf  ^in  ganj  erfrifc^t 
6in  jeber  3Sorn;urf  rt>urbe  balb  bernjifdjt; 
2>en  Sol)n  ber  Xreue  nimntt  fie  jefct  tnab,r: 
®a  fie   gefdjritien   sum   SCraualtar. 


64 


REWARD  OF  FAITHFULNESS. 


Upon  the  stricken  father's  mind  the  awful  truth  now  dawned, 
That  heaven  'venged  his  broken  vow  for  her  who  had  mourned, 
A  faithless  lover 's  heartlessness  she  mourned  in  despair, 
He  now  repented  bitterly — but  how  to  repair? 

He  revealed  the  entire  history  to  his  wife, 
Who  quite  nobly  counseled  him  to  begin  a  new  life, 
By  separating  from  her  despite  their  loving  past, 
And  marrying  her  with  whom  his  first  true  lot  was  cast. 

The  recreant  lover  now  on  his  journey  set  out, 

To  return  to  his  first  love  with  all  his  wealth  about, 

Having  reached  her  home,  he  caused  himself  to  be  announced 

As  a  physician  who  as  all-healing  was  pronounced. 

The  poor  maiden  sick  from  despair  on  her  couch  lying, 
Perceived  the  "loving  youth'"  who  on  his  knees  fell  crying, 
"Forgive  me!  Beloved  one!  Oh  thou  my  angel  fair! 
Thou  hast  suffered  innocently,  I  caused  thy  despair." 

With  newr  life  the  beautiful  maiden  was  now  infused, 
No  reproach  from  her  lips,  only  happiness  diffused, 
That  Faithfulness  is  its  own  reward,  proves  its  beauty, 
They  were  married  and  happiness  crowned  fulfilled  duty. 


65 


fromnte  ©efdjtoifterjmar. 


bor  gJueitaufenb  fiinffyunbert  l^aljr'n 
lebte  in  £>eru)'Iem  ein  SWann 
rieft'r  ftabbi  Sfma'I  33en  @Iifd&a, 
Unb  im  Slalmub  ,,©itin"  ftd)'§  finb'n  fann 


©elber  Don  ©otte§  —  ©nab'n  mar  gefegnel 

3Kit  atoet  ber  frfjonften  lieben  ^inber, 
®te  i^re§  gleid)'n  fein  $D?enfd^  je  begegnct 
©o^ncfjen  iinb  £od)ter  nid^t  minber. 


©rfjicffal  tooGte  e§  fjaben  fo  ireit, 

biefe§  fd^one  ©efd^mifter^aar 

einmal  berfc^iDunben  in  einer  Sett 

Unb  feine  (Sjmren  bor  9iiif!el)r  iuar. 


aHe§  ©udjen  —  Ueben 
SSon  SSater  unb  Gutter  umfjer 
SBar  bieSmal  erfolglo§  geblieben 
iinb  ein  Stailjfel  blieb  e§  nunme^r. 


SBie  c§  aber  311  jcner  bunfeln 

3Kenfd)en  311  fangen  fe^r  iiblirf)  toar. 
Um  Sofegelb  31:  crprefjen  bereit, 

aud^  aB  Obfer  biefeS  $aar. 


66 


THE  PIOUS  BROTHER  AND  SISTER. 


Rabbi  Ishmael  ben  Elisha,  High-priest  of  fame, 

Dwelt  in  Jerusalem  in  olden  days, 
The  Talmud  in  "Gitin"  reveres  his  name. 

For  two  thousand  years  we  have  read  of  his  praise. 

He  was  blessed  by  God's  bounty  with  children  of  grace, 
Most  beautiful  were  his  daughter  and  son, 

They  were  unmatched  in  their  beauty  of  form  and  face, 
By  their  brilliant  charms  every  heart  was  won. 

But  destiny  had  written  its  fatal  decree, 
That  these  beautiful  and  pure  spirits  twain, 

Their  loving  parents  and  friends  never  more  should  see, 
Nevermore  return  to  their  homes  again. 

Oh  wretched  was  the  day  when  they  disappeared! 

And  father  and  mother  had  sought  in  vain! 
No  trace  of  the  vanished  ones  their  sad  hearts  cheered, 

Unsolved  Enigma!  a  riddle  of  pain! 

However  thus  it  happened  in  that  evil  age, 
That  persons  were  seized,  for  ransom  were  held, 

These  fairest  flowers,  victims  of  the  demon's  rage, 
Were  clutched  by  captains,  as  robbers  excelled. 


frommc  Gkfdjtoiftcrpaar. 


3*t)ei  reidje  iibermiitljige  Seute 

Xie  nid)t§  anb'res  toaren  al§  Sd)tt)armer 
Gmmrben  fid)  biefer  fdjonfien  s-8cute 

llnb  fjtelten  fie  gefcmgen  rote  Sdmmer. 


Itingft  Derfloffcner 
'-Bcgegncten  cinmal  bic  ganger 
Unb  frfjilberten  bie  priic^tige  @d)onF)eit 

engcr, 


33erabrebenb  tfyaten  fie  bonn  fagen: 

,,2J?ein  ©flade  ift  trie  ein  Sourer  fdjon: 
Xeine  Sfiaoin  bie  fcf)onftteu  S0lnlagen 
ft)ir  einen  SSucfjer  gefcfjelj'n: 


2tuf  llnfeuidjfjeit  roerben  mir  fie 
Unb  i^r  ?Jad)fornTnen  foil  narf^er 

Un§  beiben  angeboren,  ft»enn'  geliingen, 
Somit  madden  tutr  e§  itrie  fritter. 


33orfatj  taftten  fie  and)  beibrtngen, 
Sic  fiibrten  bnnn  bie  3rt)ei  Wtirtnrcr 
Urn  fie  3iir  ^eirat  burd)au§  311  jttnngen 
finftern  ©emad),  bie 


68 


THE  PIOUS  BROTHER  AND  SISTER. 


Two  rich  and  haughty  villains  utterly  depraved, 
With  violence  did  seize  that  beauteous  pair, 

And  from  their  hideous  clutches  never  were  they  saved, 
Never  did  they  escape  the  robber's  lair! 

Cruel  time  flew  on  in  its  long  and  heedless  flight, 
And  villain  met  with  villain  face  to  face, 

To  portray  his  captive's  beauty  the  one  took  delight, 
The  other  boasted  his  had  greater  grace. 

After  such  arguments,  one  to  another  said: 
"Since  my  slave's  beauty  is  beyond  compare 

And  your  captive's  charms  excelled,  all  others  it  led — 
A  bargain!  In  our  prizes  let  us  share! 

We'll  force  them  to  unite  in  an  immoral  bond, 
And  with  their  beauteous  fruit  in  partnership, 

We'll  take  our  pleasure,  delightfully  rare  and  fond, 
In  voluptuous  joys  of  good  fellowship." 

With  devilish  haste  foul  actions  followed  vile  words, 
And  the  wretched  martyrs  captive  were  led, 

In  a  darkened  room,  like  the  poor  caged  birds. 
And  sternlv  bidden  there  to  make  their  bed. 


69 


frotnme 


S5ie  betriibten  £eirat§  —  ®anbibaten 

SBottten  bon  einanber  nidjtS  toiffen 
©a  toeber  28oI)IIuft,  nodj  ba§  £eiraten 
Dertrug  mit  i^rem  ©etuiffcn. 


,,SBie  foil  benn  fein  meine  ©attin,  mein 

^d),  ais  geborene§  ^riefter 
(Sine  ©iirne,  eine  ©flafin,  gum 

2)n  e§  gegen  meine  SBitrbe  finnt!" 

^n  eitiem  anbern  3unmer  —  2BinfeId)en 
Srfaft  tion  einen  tiefen  Sd)Iuinnier 

8afe  bertoeint  ba§  ungluflid^e  3Wdbc^en, 
Senft  nicf)t§  njeniger  in  ifjr  Summer: 

,,2Bie  foil  benn  id)  mir  ben  (Jntfdjlufe  ftrirfon 
Sine  gehjo^nlid^e  S)iener§  —  §anb 

9In  meiner  fo  jarten  33rnft  ju  britifen 
Sft  bod)  mein  93ater  bon  ^riefter—  ©tanb!" 

33eibe  bertieft  in  einem  iftadjbenfen 
.©ieng  fd^todrmerifd)  bie  9?ad)t  boriiber 

@o  ber  2Rorgen  fein  fiidjtftraljl  tfyat  fdjenfen 
©toielte  fid)  ab  jammer  unb  Sibber. 


70 


THE  PIOUS  BROTHER  AND  SISTER. 


These  two  were  the  most  unwilling  conjugal  mates, 
That  ever  in  one  room  were  rudely  placed, 

For  the  love  that  is  forced  never  doth  love — it  hates, 
To  be  alone  they  thought  themselves  disgraced. 

"Shall  she  tarnish  my  priestly  robe  and  be  my  wife? 

Shall  I  wed  her — I,  the  great  High-priest's  sou? 
She  a  common  maid,  a  slave  of  the  lowest  life — 

That  goes  against  my  grain — can  ne'er  be  done!" 

Same  sad  thoughts  in  another  corner  of  the  room, 
Cast  their  shadows  athwart  the  maiden's  mind, 

To  the  dismal  cell  they  lent  additional  gloom, 

Made  e'en  the  Moon's  light  to  mock  at  the  blind! 

"To  such  wretched  fate  how  can  I  myself  resign! 
To  cast  my  high  lot  with  a  common  slave! 
I,  the  daughter  of  a  High-priest!  Mission  Divine! 
Shall  bury  his  honor  in  a  menial's  grave!" 

Thus  sunk  in  spirits  and  sunk  in  their  dismal  thought 
Passed  the  night,  e'en  bereft  of  solitude!  . 

But,  Oh,  the  morning!    What  a  tragedy  it  brought! 
A  tragedy  without  similitude ! 


71 


frommc 


er  bie  Dermeinte  Sflnfin  gefefVn: 
£u  bift  bod)  meinc  3d)inefter  l)ier! 
)  Sdn'rffal!"  ifyat  fie  untarmen  in 
Sdjrie  unb  wcinte  bitter  urn  if)r. 


at  and)  fie  if)r  ?Iut]e  erl)oben 
llnb  ert'annte  i^r  33ruber  in  i()i\\ 

ein  Sdjrei  be§  (Jntfet^enS  unb  Joben 
Johte  e§  Don  beiben  eine  Stimm; 


fyat  fein  Ci'nb'  i()r  5d)rctcn  unb 
®i§  fie  ifjre  Seelen  ou§gel)aud)t 
a  ftarben  fie  jdntlbio*  naitj  im  rcinen 
2Bie  e3  ber  9Sater  im  §immel  brnudjt 


@d)on  ein  Spiel  seigt  bie 
2BeId)er  fcim  in  fie  gelegt; 

Db  fie  nur  GtefiU)!  fiir  Stugenb 
Cber  8inn  fiir  Safter  ^egt. 


@efd)td)te  tuirb  bid)  leEjreit 
28a§  bie  %ugenb  friif)  empfanb 

aud)  [pater  fid)  betr>df)ren 
©elbft  im  £obe  mirb'5  erfannt. 


72 


THE  PIOUS  BROTHER  AND  SISTER. 


Attracted  by  her  sobs,  the  youth  a  glance  did  throw 

Upon  the  weeping  maiden  in  yon  place, 
' '  Thou  art  my  sister !  Oh  fate,  what  a  crushing  blow ! ' ' 

And  floods  of  tears  washed  his  wasted  face. 

Now  she  also  lifted  up  her  eyes  and  beheld 

Her  brother's  face,  through  her  tears  it  swam,— 

One  cry  of  agony  from  both, — -it  swelled  and  swelled, 
Like  the  mighty  torrents  that  burst  the  dam. 

They  wept  as  none  had  wept,  as  none  that  lived  did  weep, 
They  wept  their  souls  away  and  kissed  good-bye, 

And  thus  their  God-freed  spirits  from  their  cell  did  leap, 
To  freedom  for  eternity  on  high! 

And  thus  the  play  of  future  passions  e  'en  by  youth  is  shown, 
Revealing  whence  the  germs  from  which  it  yields, 

The  fruit  that  in  a  moral  atmosphere  has  thrived  and  grown, 
Or  the  fatal  fungi  of  poisoned  fields. 

History,  too,  will  tell  what  early  youth  has  found, 

Its  first  impressions  true   'tis  revealing. 
Through  his  every  age,  even  when  beneath  the  mound, 

There's  naught  of  youth  that  it  is  concealing. 


73 


JKabbt  Wftbu  itnb  fetne  Wattin. 


28a§  9iabbi  Sffiba  in  feiner  ^ugenb  toar. 
3ft  ein  ^gnorant,  nod)  afle§  28iffen§  bar. 
Seine  fdjonfte  ^ugenbja^re  fyat  er  berbradjt 
53ei  einem  Sifraelitt'n,  ber  mit  Steidjtfjum  tiebadit. 

SSei  .^albe  ©d^eba,  ber  iftame  jctne§  Srobljerrn, 
3U§  gelrjitynlicfyer  ^irtenjunge  tnar  er  gern 
Unb  feine  ©pur'n  fiir  fein  fd)Iummernbe§  Xalent 
(id)  funb  gegeben  in  einer  SSeif  irgenb. 


[eine  fdjone  for^erltd^e 
©epaart  mit  jugenblidier  ^raft  itnb  Suft,  jog  balb 
©Q§  5tuge  feineS  33rob^errn  —  S;od)ter  auf  fid) 
llnb  geuer  ber  Siebe  loberte  in  i^r  formlid). 


5)a  e§  gegen  i^re§  2Sater§  (S^re  unb  ©tanb 
®iefer  bi§^er  fjeimlid)  gefniipfte  SiebeS  —  S3anb 
SBoHte  er  ifyn  bieSmal  gciualtfam  gerftoren 
Unb  tfjat  ifjnen  ben  Bufammenfunft  bertoefjren. 


Siebe§poar  fdjlofe  bod)  Ijetmlid)  i^r 
llnb  rtJti^nten  fid)  gliidlid)  in  i^rem  neuen  <3tanb  ; 
Um  aber  bie  9SerfoIgung§  —  @ud)t  au§3Uh)eid)en 
er  ben  Grntfdjlufo,  bie§  fo  311  bergletdjen: 


74 


RABBI  AKIBA  AND  HIS  WIFE. 


That  Rabbi  Akiba  in  his  early  youth, 

Was  an  ignoramus,  is  a  well  known  truth, 

The  cream  of  his  years,  when  in  the  prime  of  health, 

Were  passed  with  an  Israelite,  a  man  of  wealth. 

By  Kalba  Shebua,  his  master  most  kind, 
ilc  was  just  a  shepherd-boy  of  simple  mind; 
Not  one  spark  of  genius  betrayed  the  bright  flame 
Of  his  slumbering  talent,  his  immortal  name! 

But  handsome  he  was  and  his  fine  grace  of  form, 
Combined  with  youthful  vigor  took  her  by  storm, 
It  is  his  master's  daughter  of  whom  we  speak, 
And  fierce  are  love's  flames  that  now  each  other  seek. 

To  her  father's  station  and  honor  opposed, 

The  latter  strong  opposition  interposed, 

Love's  strong  ties  with  violence  he  thought  to  break, 

Against  theuir  meetings  precautions  sought  to  take. 

Despite  all  that  in  secret  the  lovers  wed, 

And  lived  most  happily  in  their  poor  homestead, 

Akiba  wished  her  father  to  reconcile 

To  be  their  equal  resolved  to  make  a  trial. 


75 


ffin&bt  ?lfi&n  itnb  fctnc  Ointttn. 


(Jr  Iic§  fid)  Ijchnlid)  im  Jalmub  unterridjten, 
SSanrcnb  cr  nadjgefommen  feine§  £>errn  s$flid)ten. 
(*r  fiat  fid)  2i*iffenfd)aft  angeeignet  fo  mcit, 
2)a§  er  fid)  3itr  §od)fd)ufc  fjatte  borbcrett. 


g  fetner  Itcbcn  G5attin 
er  nb  of)itc  ®cfitf)I  311  Ijaben  nerle^t 
Sort  in  ber  ©diule  er  balb  ?fnfncif)me  fonb, 
Unb  fiigte  fid)  bafycr  gern  in  fcinen  Stanb. 


long  nnbmete  er  mit 
2>iefem  fdjttrierigen  ©tubium  mit  Sleifee  me^r. 
fcinem  9Jiejengeift  uberragtc  er  balb 
3d)itler  unb  fie^rcr  311  einer  ©etoalt. 


©rftcn  Ganges  Sefyrftufyl  murbe  ii)in 
SSon  3tt^Iftnufenb  @d)iilern  bcgleit  ruo  er  getucilt. 
(f  r  fane  bann  ben  (nitjd)IuH,  unb  eilte  3uriid 
3u  fetnem  bulbfamen  2i^eib'  fitr  ben 


2lnlangenb  in  bem  £anfc  fetner  licbcit  gran, 
3d)Ieid)t  er  in  einent  3inimcr,  nnb  laufdjte  genaii 
2(uf'§  ©efprad)  tnelrf)e§  3Sater  unb  Sodjter  ^ielten, 
2Sorauf  feme  ©efiifjle  Sdjauer  burd)lDiif)Iten. 


76 


RABBI  AtflBA  AND  HIS  WIFE. 


Secretly  instructed  in  Talmudic  lore, 
After  his  day's  work  for  master  was  o'er, 
He  gained  Jewish  knowledge  to  such  an  extent, 
That  unopposed  to  the  high-school  he  went. 

And  then  with  the  sanction  of  his  beloved  wife, 

He  left  her  home  in  quest  of  a  higher  life, 

A  life  with  Sages  profound  erudite, 

And  there  like  budding  day  shone  his  coming  light. 

Twelve  long  years  he  spent  in  eager  search  of  truth, 
His  perseverance  was  so  intense,  forsooth, 
And  his  new  developed  intellect  so  sublime, 
That  scholars  and  teachers  he  surpassed  in  time. 

Elected  to  the  highest  Rabbinic  chair, 

Twelve  thousand  scholars  followed  him  everywhere, 

It  is  at  that  period  of  his  brilliant  life, 

That  he  resolved  to  visit  his  patient  wife. 

When  he  arrived  at  his  wife's  humble  homestead, 
He  slipped  in  unobserved  to  hear  what  was  said 
By  the  father  to  his  daughter,  his  poor  wife — 
He  heard  words  that  went  to  his  heart  like  a  knife. 


77 


t  9lfUw  itnb  fetne 


Grr  prte  ben  23ortt>urf  if)re§  35ater§  fagen: 
,,®er  untotffenbe  §irtenjunge  tljat  bid)  blagen, 
Snbem  cr  fdjon  3tt>6If  ^Q^e  bid^  ^Sflid)t  bergeffen 
Unb  bid)  auriirfgeloffen  fo  gang  bermeifen." 


gefiifjHofen  9Wen[d)en  fyaltet  bteSmal  ein! 
Siift  idf),  ba§  meine§  2Ranne§  —  SSiffen  ftwrbe  fciu 


SBiirbe  ido  and)  obfern  unb  if)tn  e§  aufbrtngcn." 


^orte  Stfiba  bie  2Borte  i^re§ 

id^aft  borgtefjenb  gcge 

mad^tc  cr  fid)  auf  bcm  3Segc  auriidfe 

fein  28eib  gefeFjcn  311  Ijabcn  im 


3tt)6If  anbere  ^af)re  ftubierie  er  bort  nod) 
(£§  maf)nt  if>n  je^t  bic  $Itd)t  3itriidf3u!er)ren  bod) 
I)Q  fdjon  bterunb3triQn3tg  ^af)re  berftridqen  finb 
Unb  fein  bitlbfame§  SSeib  mag  nmarmen 


frember  unb  nnbelannter  9tabbiner  ©etft 
bierunb3tttan3tg  Staufenb  feiner  @d)iiler  gercift 
@o  fe^rte  er  nad)  feinen  .^eimat^S  —  £)rt  3itriicf 
2Bo  alleo  fid)  brcingt  ifjn  311  cmpfangen  mit  QHiidf. 


78 


RABBI  AKIBA  AND  HIS  WIFE. 


He  heard  the  angry  father  upbraiding  say, 
"That  ignorant  shepherd-boy  thy  bliss  did  slay, 
Twelve  years  his  duty  to  thee  he  neglected, 
He  abandoned  thee,  thy  love  he  rejected." 

Calmly  she  answered  her  father's  stern  rebuke, 
''For  the  Torah's  sake  my  husband  me  forsook, 
And  if  it  is  his  will  twelve  years  more  to  stay, 
His  increased  knowledge  my  waiting  will  repay." 

"When  Akiba  heard  those  brave  words  of  his  wife, 
Preferring  knowledge  to  joys  of  wedded  life, 
He  retraced  his  steps  on  the  road  whence  he  camo, 
Nor  saw  his  true  wife  who  nobly  bore  his  name. 

Twelve  years  more  to  his  dear  Torah  he  paid  court, 

And  then  for  his  duty  to  his  wife  he  sought 

To  return  to  her,   'twas  twenty-four  years, 

And  his  patient  wife  deserved  her  husband's  cheers. 

Traveling  as  unknown  Rabbi  in  pompous  state, 
Whilst  twenty-four  thousand  scholars  called  him  great, 
He  returned  to  the  land  of  his  old  homestead 
Where  all  surged  to  see  him  with  reverential  dread. 


79 


9foObt  Slfiba  «nb  fcinc  Gtotttn. 


9hm  unter  jener  fo  gro&en  9J?enfd)erimenge 
3d)Ieid)t  fid)  bjnein  ein  SSeibsbilb  in  bem  ©ebrange, 
%n  fejjr  armfeligen  ®Ieibern  roar  fie  geljitllt, 
2Barb  don  bcr  grofeen  9Kengc  geftofecn,  gebriflt. 

©ie  njurbe  bon  5It'iba  oitfiilltg  erblirft, 
@r  fdjrte  je^t  gclualtig  ba§  oEe§  bort  erfdEjrirft: 
,,§Qlt!  nitr  jener  grau  gebii^rt  att  biefe  G^re; 
S)enn  nur  burd)  ib,r  ertoarb  id)  fonft  metne  2eb,rc." 

Stud)  ber  ®alba  3d)eba  brang  fid)  baljin  faft, 
Um  ein  9?atb,  gu  ^olen  t>om  gele^rten  ©aft. 
Stb.ranen  in  feinen  Slugen  begann  ber  @rei§: 
)  fle^e  bid)  an,  unb  gib  mir  feinen 


^d)  tf)at  ein  (Miibbe  311  berftofeen  mein 
$ertrieb  fie  bom  $aitfe  mtb  jagte  fie  sum 
SBeil  fie  ib,re  $anb  berfd)enfi,  mir  ju  ^offen, 
(£-inen  unmiffenben  2)?ann,  bie£  mid)  berbroffen. 

Somit  bittc  id)  bid)  fel)r  mir  aufjulo'fcu 
"UUetit  Welitbbc,  iiber^aitpt  bay  gan^e  SSefen, 
Xamit  id)  mein  ein^igeS  unb  geliebte§  .^inb 
SBieber  in  meinem  ^aufe  fann  b,aben  gefd)rt)inb." 


80 


RABBI  AKIBA  AND  HIS  WIFE. 


Midst  the  seething,  surging  wildly  swaying  mass, 
Struggles  a  frail  woman  of  the  poorer  class, 
In  tattered,  threadbare  garments  though  clean  withal, 
She's  elbowed,  shoved  and  jostled,  and  crushed  by  all. 

When  Akiba  saw  his  wife  shoved  by  the  crowd, 
He  cried  in  a  commanding  voice,  clear  and  loud, 
"Hold!  to  this  woman  all  the  honor  is  due, 
Through  her  noble  efforts  in  wisdom  I  grew." 

Kalba  Shebua,  too,  through  the  crowd  pushed  his  way, 
To  seek  counsel  from  the  Rabbi,  wise  and  gray, 
With  tears  in  his  eyes  the  old  man  earnest  plead, 
"Listen  to  me  in  pity  of  my  gray  head, 

I've  taken  an  oath  my  daughter  to  disown, 
My  only  daughter,  who  once  all  my  love  did  own, 
Because  against  my  wishes  she  plighted  her  troth, 
To  an  ignorant  shepherd- t>oy  that  made  me  wroth. 

Therefore  I  pray  thee  absolve  me  from  this  vow, 
For  I  bitterly  repent  my  action  now, 
That  my  child  again  to  my  bosom  I  press, 
Take  her  to  my  home  and  save  her  from  distress." 


81 


9Ja&fct  Sififca  Knb  fctne  ©atrtn. 


Unb  toenn  bein  unttriffenber  ©djftriegerfofjn  Befifct 
,,2fteine  ©ele^rfamfeit  unb  biefe  audi)  Beniifct 
SBiirbeft  bu  cmd)  bein  (Miibbe  get^an  I;aben?" 
SSerfetjt  Slfiba  mtt  fd^meiifilenben  Slngaben. 


28emut§boH  fiigte  fobann  ^aI6a  ©cfjeba  311: 

er  nur  einige  ^antniffe  trie  bit  ! 
toiirbe  bann  mem  fyalbeS  95ermogen 
freiibig  31:  feiner  SSerfiigung  anlegen.,, 


STfiBa  fonnte  fid)  nirfjt  auf^alten  mefjr, 
@r  ftiir^te  in  bte  STrtrte  be§  ©reifen  cinder 
Unb  farad)  ,,^a,  ic^  Bin  bein  gertmnfdjter 
Unb  beiner  lieben  £orf)ter  gebii^rt  aller  fio^n." 

@§  ftrielt  fid^  ab  eine  iiberrafdjenbe  Scene 
Unter  ber  Stfenge,  unter  3tfrael§  86f)ne; 
SSater,  Stouter  unb  @c^n)ieger[o^n  toerben  gefiif)rt 
^m  grofeen  Xriumplje,  ba§  atten  im^oniert. 


lebten  [ie  je^t,  bi§  nur  auf  furjer  Qeit, 
S)a  bie  eble  ^iau  rtntrbe  Balb  bom  £obe  ereilt! 
Unb  3?.  2Tfiba'§  £nb'  ift  bod^  jeben  befannt, 
(Jr  rt)or  aB  2^artt)rer  am  @d)eiterljaufen  berbrannt. 


82 


RABBI  AKIBA  AND  HIS  WIPE. 


"And  if  thy  boorish  son-in-law  had  possessed 
That  profound  knowledge  that  would  make  his  name  blessed, 
Wouldst  thou  yet  have  cherished  the  oath  thou  didst  take  1 ' ' 
With  reassuring  smiles  Akiba  thus  spake. 

Sorrowfully  Kalba  Shebua  replied: 
"If  part  of  thy  knowledge  with  him  did  abide 
One-half  my  vast  fortune  I'd  give  them  for  dower, 
To  make  them  happy  I'd  do  all  in  my  power." 

Akiba  his  feeling  no  more  could  repress, 

But  embracing  the  old  man  with  loving  press, 

He  cried,  "I  am  thy  son-in-law,  all's  atoned, 

All  thanks  is  due  thy  daughter  whose  sin's  condoned." 

Then  followed  a  heart-thrilling,  soul  stirring  scene, 
'Mongst  that  vast  concourse — in  Israel  seldom  seen, 
Father,  daughter,  son-in-law  in  triumph  led 
By  Israel's  hosts,  with  the  Sh 'china  o'er  their  head. 

Now  they  lived  happily,  but  alas!  a  short  time, 
For  the  noble  woman  was  cut  off  in  her  prime, 
And  Rabbi  Akiba 's  end  every  heart  does  break, 
For  all  posterity  knows,  he  died  at  the  stake. 


83 


bcs  Icmjjcle  in  3crufalcm 


erften  ©Jniren  ber 
So  ftrirb  im  £almub 
9Hif)r(*n  I)er  burd)  cine  33erleumbimg, 
£115  ein  93?ann  I^atte  gefel)lt. 


Gin  9Wann  in  Scruf'Ieni  fjat  gema<f)t 
5iir  feine  ©onncr  ein  j}e[tmaf)I 

3u  mcld)'m  er  311  inbiticr'n  gctrac^t 
Scinem  greunb  ,,sSar  Hants'" 

^5rrtf)iimltd)  ()at  aber  bcr  Wiener 
Cfinen  Slnbern  innntiert, 

jufdllig  ein  Crafcinb  jeiner, 
2)er  bennod)  fam  ungcntert. 


frol)lid)  getoefn  luar 
3)er  £err  be§  gefte§  ifjn  erblirft, 
2Barb  ber  grofee  ^rrt^um  i^m  gemafjr 
Unb  mtt  ©rinun  erfillt,  ifyn  tt)egfd)tcft 

,,Gntferne  bid)  bon  meiner  £afel! 

93efaf)I  iEjm  ftreng  ber  £err  je^t 
^n  meinen  Stngen  bu  ein  ©tadjel, 

Titlb  fjicr  nid)t,  ber  mid) 


DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  HOLY  TEMPLE. 


The  destruction  and  its  first  traces, 

As  by  the  Talmud  outlined, 
The  foul  crime  of  slander  embraces, 

Which  the  Temple  undermined. 

A  certain  man  in  Jerusalem, 

Made  a  great  feast  for  his  friends; 

He  sent  for  Bar-Kam/ah,  one  of  them, 
On  whose  friendship  he  depends. 

By  error  the  servant  invited 
Another  who  bore  that  name, 

His  enemy — still  he  delighted 
To  be  called — and  Lo!  he  came! 

Whilst  all  were  merry  and  all  was  gay, 
The  host  his  worst  foe  espied, 

Then  his  worst  passion  came  into  play, 
He  was  wild  with  rage  and  cried: 

"Begone,  Sir!  from  my  table  at  once!" 
The  host  harshly  commanded; 

' '  I  cannot  bear  thy  sight  for  the  nonce, 
Thy  hate  in  me  is  branded!" 


85 


n 


SBar  ^amga  iljn  bieSmal  anfleljenb 

2ftit  ©djanb  ifyn  nicfyt  311  berlets 

28tH  er  lieber  bie  ®oft'n  berfefjenb 


,,S^  toitt  ^ier  nidjt  ^aben  foldje 
5Du  gef)6r[t  boc^  nirfjt  fjter^er!" 

gafte  ifyn  bet  bem  ^ragen  [o  feft 
Unb  fe^te  i^n  f)inau§  mefir. 


93ar  ^amaa  tuurbe  ie^t  aufgebracfyt 
llnb  fefjnte  fic^  je^r  narf)  9tad^c, 

lieber  ber  jdjonblirfjen  £fjat  gebacfjt 
llnb  ergriff  eine  SBaff'n  —  @ad)e. 


aHein  gegen  SBeleibiger 
SSar  fein  $afe  bie§mal  gerid^tet, 
Sonbern  aud)  geg'n  fieljrbertljeibiger 
geje^'n  unb  ntrfjt  gejd)Itd)tet. 


er  geeilt  in  boiler  2Butf), 
bie  %ub'n  alS  9Serrati)er  an, 
fie  bie  Dpf'r,  er  i^nen  fd)id*'n  tfjut 
barbringen,  unb  legn'S  in  93ann. 


86 


DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  HOLY  TEMPLE. 


Bar  Kamzah  earnestly  begged,  "At  least, 

Do  not  cover  me  with  shame, 
I  will  pay  thee  for  the  entire  feast, 

Or  whatever  else  thou'lt  claim!" 

"Go  at  once,  I  do  not  want  you  here, 

I'll  not  have  you  in  this  place!" 
He  seized  him  and  shoved  him  through  the  rear, 

And  threw  him  out  in  disgrace. 

Bar  Kamzah  burned  with  the  fire  of  hate, 

With  the  fierce  thirst  for  revenge, 
He  thought  of  the  wrong,  of  his  shame  so  great,- 

This  insult  he  must  avenge! 

Not  against  the  insulter  alone, 

Was  this  revenge  directed, 
But  the  Sages,  too,  he'd  make  astone, 

They  saw,  nor  yet  objected. 

Raging  he  hastes  to  Rome  in  a  trice, 
And  swears  the  Jews  have  rebelled, 

They  do  not  offer  the  sacrifice, 
The  Emperor's  vows  repelled. 


87 


S3crftor«ng  be3  ^etupcte  in  vicrufnfcm. 


ben  ^uben  baS  ©efetg  borfdjreibt 
Cnn  £f)ier  berftimmelt  ntd)t  barbring'n 

®aifer§  Sefe^I  al§  ©efetg  Bleibt 
Um  feine  O^fer  aufgubring'n. 


S5em  Staler  ein  ge^Ier  an  ben 

amsa  f)eimli(^  gemadjt, 
beim  ^ub'n  enttoetljt  tnte  an 
aber  beim  £eib'n  gebad)t. 


®a  bie  %itb'n  e§  fonft  be^arrtcn 

@d)irft  ber  ^atfer  feine 
Seruf'Iem  belagern  fid^  fdfjarrten, 

®a§  brei  Safyre  gebanert  bie  @d)Iad)t. 


SBafjrenb  Selagerung  ttnb  SBaltung 
SBaren  ef>  brei  reidje  Scanner, 
Skigetragen  gur  ©rljoltung 
@taate§  unb  aller  ©onner. 


80  e§  ben  28ol)Itfjatern  bann  gelang 
@tabt  311  retten  imb  erljalt'n 
geinbeS  §anb  unb  ben  Untcrgang 
©omit  nod^  lang'  frieblirf)  Derfjalt'n. 


88 


DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  HOLY  TEMPLE. 


In  the  Jewish  Law  'tis  forbidden, 

A  blemished  offering  to  bring — 
The  Emperor  the  Jews  had  bidden, 

To  sacrifice  his  offering. 

Bar-Kamza,  slyly,  with  foul  intent, 
Blemished  the  lips  of  the  beast; 

Such,  Jewish  Law  forbids  to  present 
By  heathens  it  is  the  least. 

This  offering,  by  the  Jews,  was  refused, 

The  Emperor  sent  his  army, 
Jerusalem  in  siege  was  abused, 

And  three  years  in  misery. 

During  the  siege,  those  troublesome  years, 
There  were  three  men  prominent, 

Who  to  the  Jewish  state  brought  good  cheers, 
With  supplies  and  nourishment. 

These  benefactors  thus  succeeded 

In  saving  Jerusalem, 
From  foes  without  and  hunger  dreaded, 

Many  years  'twas  helped  by  them. 


89 


n 


enblirf)  3ttriefaalt  unb 
ifjrer  Sftitf  fi<Jj  erfyoben, 
bie  ©inen  ^iefeen  red^t  unb  gut 
SSerftmrfen  bie  5(nbern  mit  £o&en. 


©in  flamt)f  unb  ©rfjladjt  ift  auBgeBrodjen, 
llnter  ben  ^arteigongern  bort, 

SSerbrannten  aHe§  furs  geforod)en, 
Snie§  in  ©c^ut  unb  Slfdje  fort. 


§rn  ber  ©pi^e  ber  groft'n 

SBar  einer  ^SlBa  ©ifrai," 
©er  be§  ^riegeS  ^erauffiefdjtoorer 

Unb  etn  9Jeffe  be§  ©afai. 

Urn  ber  9}erh3iiftung  au  ntadj'n  ein  @nbe 
llnb  atte§  sum  grieb'n  3U  gert)innen 

fabbi  ^od^anan  unt'r  SSortodnbe 
©ein  ^eff'n  ^eimltd^  ruf'n  au  befinnen. 


25er  SRabbi  mit  feiner  2(n[|)ra(f)e 
9tiif)rie  feinen  S'ieffen  baS 

©o  ba§  i^m  fein'©efiil)I  tonrb  toadje 
Unb  geftanb  fein  Seller  mit 


90 


DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  HOLY  TEMPLE. 


Till  at  last  rent  by  dire  division, 

Jerusalem's  torn  in  twain, 
For  one  party  treats  with  derision, 

What  others  wish  to  attain. 

Brother  against  brother  fought  with  hate, 

Each  man  under  his  standard, 
Supplies  they  sought  to  annihilate, 

They  burned  the  stores  and  squandered. 

Aba  Siera,  head  of  the  seditious, 

Was  nephew  of  great  Rabbi, 
Who  for  peace  was  ever  propitious, 

Of  Jochanan  ben  Zacai. 

Wishing  to  cause  destruction  to  cease, 

And  peace  to  all  to  restore, 
Rabbi  Jochanan  sacrificed  ease 

To  see  Sicra,  him  implore. 

The  Rabbi  with  his  tine  persuasion, 
Touched  even  his  nephew's  heart, 

Showed  him  how  he  caused  devastation, 
And  made  him  blush  at  his  part. 


91 


Bcrftiirititfl  fccS  remote  in 


9ta6bi  £od)anan  fragt  ifjn  urn 

SSie  bie  Sage  gut  311  marfjen  , 
2>er  9?effe  anttoortet:  ,,$n  ber  £I)at 

Safet  fief)  nirf)t§  t^un  in  ben  @ad)en, 

9TB  ba§  bu  fonft  ftir&ft  bent  Sdjeine  narfj, 

Tic  *$&ad)c  teufrfienb  OegriiBen, 
SBenn  bu  im  geinbeSIag'r  bift,  f)ernac^ 

ftonnft  bu  mil  bem  geinb  Srieb'n  ftfjliefecn. 

5Berratrj  mid),  urn  ^imntelS—  SBiffen  nicfjt! 

3onft  bin  icf)  ein  Dpfer,  better! 
Double  nod)  meiner  guten  Shifidjt! 

Hub  bu  ipirft  Scruf'IemS  better." 


long  nad^  biefcr  Unterrcbung 
Sft  9tabbi  ^odjanan  crfrnnft, 
llnt'r  lantern  ^lagen  fcincr  Umgebung  • 
©tirbt  er  nnb  sum  3ide  gelangt. 

3(n  feiner  ©eite  im  ©arg  legt  man 
(Sin  bcrtocftce  Stiicf  Jlcifd)  bnljiu 

2)a§  man  ein  2eicf)'ngerud)  Derfpier'n  fann 
Unb  if;n  tob  gu  glauben  im  Sarg  brin. 


92 


DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  HOLY  TEMPLE. 


Rabbi  Jochanan  his  counsel  sought, 
How  the  Jews  should  make  amends. 

His  nephew  replied  there's  one  resort, 
On  which  everything  depends. 

"Do  thou  feign  death  and  I'll  spread  the  tale, 

The  guards  will  observe  my  grief, 
The'  enemy's  camp  wilt  reach  without  fail, 

Make  peace  with  the  Roman  chief. 

But  do  not  betray  me,  dear  Nephew !"- 
"Uncle!  Dangers  for  thee  I  brave; 

If  thou  wilt  now  but  this  course  pursue, 
Jerusalem  thou  wilt  save. ' ' 

Shortly  after  this  conversation, 

Rabbi  Jochanan  fell  sick 
And  died — this  caused  a  great  sensation, — 

His  death  was  feigned,  a  trick. 

At  his  side  in  secret  there  was  placed, 

A  piece  of  flesh  long  decayed, 
To  borrow  for  death  its  smell  debased, 

And  all  to  that  thought  persuade. 


93 


3erfiorung  be*  £cmj)cls  in 


t  feinem  @arge  fd)onenb  gelegt 
SBurbe  bie  bermeinte  Seiche  , 

fdjtoargem  Slucfye  oben  belegt, 

o  folgt  ber 


5luf  ben  ©d^ultern  ber  @rf)itler  tragenb 
golgt  bie  9Wenge  in  ftitt'r  SSemutr), 

3u  ben  geftungS  —  St^oren  bie  nal)enb 
$od)enben  ^erjenS  unb  ©c^redfenS  —  (Mittl). 


2IIS  bie  ©egen^artei  fd^ot»ft  $erbarf)t 
®enen  bann  gurief  t)Io^Iic^ 

2BoHten  fie  im  ©arge  ftecfjen  fad)t 
3u  unterfudjen  mit  ©etoalt. 


r  33erblenbeten  baneben" 
Sttefen  i^nen  gu  bie  ^linger, 
,,CciBt  iin§  ben  Xobten  @I)rc  geben 
@o  al^  ©d)iilcr  nid^t  geringer!" 

(SS  madgte  etnen  grofeen  GfinbritdE 

2Tuf  bie  XfiorlDQC^ 
Ciefeen  |>affteren  ben 

2)er  fein  Qiel  erreidjt  formlid). 


DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  HOLY  TEMPLE. 


His  body  was  in  the  coffin  laid, 
And  covered  with  a  black  pall, 

The  last  honors  to  the  dead  were  paid, 
He  was  deeply  mourned  by  all. 

His  scholars  on  their  shoulders  carried, 
Their  Rabbi  loved  and  hallowed, 

At  the  fort's  gate,  perforce  they  tarried, 
Halted  by  foes  who  followed. 

Here  the  seditious  suspicious  grew, 

That  the  funeral  was  a  ruse, 
They  wished  to  run  the  dead  body  through, 

Their  base  minds  to  disabuse. 

"Hold!  Nor  lay  a  sacreligious  hand 
On  our  Rabbi's  sacred  corse," 

Thus  spoke  the  scholars  to  that  vile  band, 
Who  the  truth  would  prove  by  force. 

These  brave  words  made  a  deep  impressien 

Upon  the  guards  at  the  gate, 
Who  soon  recognized  their  transgression, 

In  compelling  them  to  wait. 


95 


3erftoritn0  bc£  Jcmjicls  in  3'eritfalem. 


®aum  auf  freiem  gufee  er  gefefct 

SSerliefe  ber  Jftabbi  feinen  @arg, 
(£r  melbct  fid)  gum  ©eneral  je^t 

offen  unb  fid)  nid)t  berbarg 


,,SDen  griebcn§  —  @rufe  iiberbring  id)  bir 
?ll§  SfracB  ©efanbter, 
bid)  an  unb  berjeifje  mir! 
2ttaje§tat§ 


,,SBie  erfiib.nft  bit,  mid)  ®aifer  nennen? 

^d)  bin  bod)  nur  ein  ©eneral! 
SReinft  bu  mid)  nur  gu  @^)ott  511  brennen? 
bid)  bergangen  bie§mal! 


3tfeiten§  ift  mir  ba§  ein  S^dt^fel  gar 

28arum  an  mir  nid)t  frii^'r  gebad)t? 
£>a§  3Sertrauen  ift  bei  cud)  auf  ein 

feib  bei  mir  nun  in  9Serbad)t." 


,,3Ser3eib/e  O  ^err  unb  ©ebieter! 

9?eine  SBa^r^eit  fprad)  meine 
25u  toirft  ^eruf'IemS  ^onig  unb  £iiter, 

S)ein  ift  DftomS  ®ron',  ®u  bift  nod)  jung. 


DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  HOLY  TEMPLE. 


The  critical  moment  now  was  past, 
The  Sage  left  his  grim  retreat, 

And  reaching  the  Roman  camp  at  last 
Fell  at  the  General's  feet. 

' '  A  message  of  peace  I  bring  to  thee, 

By  my  people  it  was  sent, 
I  entreat  thee  therefore  to  pardon  me, 

Your  Majesty  excellent," 

"How  dare  you  call  me  majesty, 

Only  a  general  am  I ! 
Do  you  intend  to  make  sport  of  me? 

For  this  you  deserve  to  die! 

This  also  puzzles  me  very  much, 

Why  delay  this  act  so  long, 
I  must  suspect,  when  your  actions  such, 

That  you  mean  to  do  me  wrong." 

"Pardon  nTe  my  Lord  and  Commander'! 

My  tongue  speaks  naught  but  the  truth, 
Thoul't  be  Jerusalem's  defender, 

And  Emperor  of  Rome,  forsooth!" 


3crftiirnng  fceS  XempelS  in 


be§  3ogern§  ftrieber 
Sft  nur  baburrf)  entftanben 
SBeil  berfdn'ebene  $arteiglieber 
2>amit  nicfyt  einberftanben." 

28af)renb  be§  ©prec^'nS  mit  bent  Offigier 
^lopft  jemanb  an  ber  SHjiir  an  ! 

SBie  ein  ©efaenft,  au§  SRom  einSurier, 
©tiirjte  Ijerein  unb  begann: 


©rfjreiben  id)  bir  jefct  iiberreicf)' 
^n  ftelrfjem  betne§  ^ontg§  Slobt,  — 
Unb  bid)  3um  ^aifer  ertrafjlt  augleirf) 
©ci  gefafet!    (£§  jegne  bid)  ®ott!" 

S)urd)  biefe  ^unbe  er  crfcfjiittert 
SBoIIt'  ben  aftieiten  @d)iil)  anjietien, 

(5r  bermod^t'S  aber  nirf)t  unb  gitlert 
SSerfud^t  ben  (Srft'n 


ba§  gelang  bem  ©eneral 
S)er  9labbi  e§  bennodg  bemerft 
llnb  ju  ifjm  bann  offen^eraig  jtorirfjt: 
,,^n  itnfern  ©cqriften  ift  gemerft: 


98 


DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  HOLY  TEMPLE. 


"The  reason  this  action  was  delayed, 

Is  quite  easy  to  explain, 
Warring  factions  made  us  all  afraid, 

To  sue  for  peace  was  in  vain." 

In  the  midst  of  their  conversation, 
They  heard  some  one  quickly  come, 

In  came,  dripping  with  perspiration, 
A  courier,  swift,  from  Rome. 

"An  important  note  I  bring  to  thee, 
Of  the  Emperor's  sudden  death, 

Thou  must  now  Emperor  be," 
He  thus  spoke,  all  in  a  breath. 

This  news  the  general  quite  unnerved, 
He  wished  to  draw  on  his  shoe, 

But  could  not  do  so  for  his  hand  swerved, 
And  his  foot  more  fleshly  grew. 

Nor  could  he  take  off  the  shoe  he  wore, 

The  Rabbi  saw  his  quandary, 
And  said:  "  'Tis  writ  in  our  ancient  lore,- 

The  solution  of.  this  mystery.'' 


3crftiJrnng  bcs  XcmjicIS  in 


Qmte  greub'nfunbe  giebt  SWarf  bem  23ein; 

Safe  bir  ipa§  ©d)Ied)te§  ergeljen  fyer; 
So  ncrlicrcn  die!  bio  ^itfee  bein, 

fie  bitrd)  grcub'  cieroonncn  mefjr." 


Stauncnb  fa!)  ifin  icfet  bcr  SIfonordi  mi. 

2Sie  cr  ctiujetroffcn  piinftlid). 
,,gorb're  ban  mir  bit  n^ttlidier  9Jimin! 

28a§  id)  fonft  tfjun  fonntc  fiir  bid^." 

©rofec  9Inf^riid)c  311  Dcrlicrcn 

bbi  fiird)tcte  jct^t, 
or  tl)n,  ,,^sabn'"  nid)t  311  beriiljrcu 
bort  ftnb  SBeifen  Ucrfctt. 


bicfer  ^radjtftabt  befmtb  fid) 
JHabbi  3nbuf,  nottlid)e 
40  ^a^re  fid)  marfjt  ben 
faft'n  unb  311  bcten  baran: 


11m  ben  3orn  bev  xHUnator-j  liiuun'Uiod) 

58on  ^fracl  abjutnenbcn, 
®a  er  bic  3er[tbriiutj  ber  Stabt,  nod) 

^n  borl)inein  tljat  antnclbcn. 


100 


DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  HOLY  TEMPLE. 


"Through  good  tidings  bones  marrow  receive, 

But  lose  it  through  vexation, 
See  one  whose  sight  causes  thee  to  grieve, 

To  cure  thee  from  th'  elation." 

The  Monarch  was  surprised  to  behold, 
The  words  of  the  Sage  come  true, 

' '  O  Reverend  Sir,  do  but  unfold, 
If  I  can  do  aught  for  you!" 

The  wise  Rabbi  feared  to  ask  too  much, 

Lest  all  he  would  thereby  lose, 
Hence  he  begged  him  Jabne  not  to  touch 

The  city  where  Sages  muse. 

In  that  city  there  also  resides, 

Rabbi  Zadok,  divine  man, 
For  forty  years  he's  fasting,  besides 

Praying  as  much  as  he  can, 

That  our  Father  his  people  should  spare, 
And  divert  his  wrath  from  them, 

For  beforehand  the  Sage  was  aware, 
That  doomed  was  Jerusalem. 


101 


Berftorung  bc§  XempelS  in 


@o  toirb  im  SWibrafd^  bon  ifym  erjafjlt: 
£a§  er  be§  £ag§  nidjt§  genafe 

Unb  nur  be§  Slb'nbS  eine  geig  gelua^It 
©eren  ©aft  fog  fonft  nid^t§  afj. 

9iun  um  biefen  3J?ann  tuar  e§  eben 

2)a§  ^od^anan  ben  (General 
Um  arjtlirfjen  Seiftanb  311  geben 

anfle^'n,  t^n  311  rett'n  bieSmal. 


^eruf'Iem  blieb  in  93elag'rung§—  ©tanb 
28ie  border  fo  immer  tDieber, 
§tlfe,  aurf)  feinen  Seiftanb 
311  ertnarten  bon  ^riiber. 


SBeber  ©t>eife  nod)  irgenb  ein  Xranf 
2Bor  311  fefyen  in  einem  §au§ 

©rofe  unb  flein  alle§  inSgefammt  franf 
SSor  hunger  fie  bann  gingen  au§. 

Signer  ^inber  gleifdg  fodjten  SWiitter 
S^nen  3tim  SaBfal,  fie  be^eljrt, 

Sn  ben  ©traffen  finfter  unb  Bitter 
2J?it  Seid^en  bebedft  unb  toerfjeert. 


102 


DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  HOLY  TEMPLE. 


Thus  in  the  Medrash   'tis  related, 
That  he  tasted  naught  each  day, 

But  each  night  with  fig's  juice  he  sated, 
Gnawing  hunger  ere  it  slay. 

On  behalf  of  this  Sage  now  appealed 

Rabbi  Jochanan  for  aid, 
To  the  general  all  he  revealed, 

His  needs  before  him  he  laid. 

Jerusalem  still  remained  beseiged, 

By  blood-thirsty  foes  without, 
By  marauding  bands  within  assieged, 

There  was  grim  despair  throughout. 

Neither  food  nor  drink  could  now  be  found 

In  the  homes  of  rich  or  poor, 
By  sickness  from  hunger  all  were  bound, 

They  died,  that  could  not  endure. 

Mothers  cooked  and  ate  their  childrens  flesh, 

To  smother  their  hunger-cry, 
Jerusalem's  streets  with  blood  were  fresh, 

'Twas  a  privilege  to  die! 


103 


t  Simon  SoJjn 


bie  23b'fen  Be6en  sagen 
SSenn  ba§  Unveil  fie  untbraufr; 
©ie  mtr  liirmen,  jamment,  flagen; 

©o  bafe  Ungliid;  groBlid^  I)au[t. 
Soif)  ben  Srommen  fann  nid^t  rauben 

@rf)icffQl§ttlcfe  greub'  unb  Suft; 
Oiuije  finbet  er  im  ©Iau6en, 
§offen  in  ber  53ru|"t. 


OtabBi  (Simmon 

ongegriffen 

tobeln  bie  Stegierung,  cr 
33alb  bem  Xobe  berfallen  mar, 
SSoraitf  er  fief)  geflictjtet  I)Qt 
Unb  ^eimlirf)  fid^  erncujrcn  ta()t. 
@|)ionage  i^m  nadggefetst 
Unb  toare  Balb 


©liefer  feinem 

glicgtet  er  bor  ben  romifd^en 

Seine  erfte  SBefdjiiiserin, 
i^m  be^ilflid^  fernerl)in, 
er  fid^  jetgi  flirfjten  fonnte 

Unb  fid^  i^m  anber3  ntdjt  lo^nte, 

2II§  aufsufudjen  eine 

SKo  er  gefirfjert  fid^  bort 

104 


RABBI  SIMON,  THE  SON  OF  JOCHAI. 

Only  wicked  tremble,  murmur, 

When  misfortimtes  them  compass, 
Weaken,  faint  and  grow  infirmer, 

Make  misfortunes  grow,  surpass : 
But  the  pious,  calm  and  trustful, 

Will  not  let  the  slings  of  fate 
Kill  their  joys,  make  life  disgustful, 

With  sweet  hope  and  trust  they  wait. 

Rabbi  Simon,  Jochai's  son, 
Dared  to  attack  the  Roman  throne, 
By  censure  of  the  government, 
For  which  death  was  the  punishment. 
He  therefore  safety  sought  in  flight, 
Providing  food  in  dark  of  night, 
But  spies  incessant  worry  gave, 
He  further  fled  his  life  to  save. 

With  his  good  son  Eleazer, 

To  flee  together  was  pleasure, 

In  his  distress  he  found  a  friend, 

Who  aided  him  until  the  end, 

And  helped  him  further  yet  to  flee, 

And  to  his  every  need  did  sec. 

His  desire  was  to  find  a  cave 

Where  he  could  hide,  his  life  to  save. 


105 


i  <Sunen  SoJjn 


langent  ©udjen  er  fcann  fanb 
Sine  £>6f)Ie  in  fernen  Sanb 
Stbgefonbert  Don  oiler  SBelt 
©djliefet  er  fid}  ein  im  oben 
2Beber  SWittel  nod§  je 
93ot  fid^  bar  §u 
lleberliefeen  ©ott  il)r  ©d^idffal, 
SBirb  er  fie  retten  aud)  bieSmal. 

©te  ftubierten  fort  ^ag  unb  9?acf)t 
SDie  ^eilige  Se^re  iljr'  33?Qd^t 

hunger  unb  SDurft  fe^r  gequalt 
i^re  ©tunbe  tear  gega^It. 
©iengen  furfjen  in  ber  ^el}!'  bann, 
S)a§  ein  3ufal(  fid)  treffcn  fann. 
@ie  erblidft'n  oud)  ein'  SBaffer  —  OueJOT 
Unb  ein  93oj^orn6aum  on  ber  ©tell! 


SDiefe  ^flanae  iljre 
3)a§  SBaffer  aud)  iljre  Sabung 
Urn  bie  ^leiber  311  berfdjonen 
3Serfud)ten  beibe  ^erfonen, 
Bogen  fid^  au§  na!t  o^ne  ©djanb, 
©afeen  immer  bebeft  im  ©anb 
tod^renb  ifjrer  ©ebete 

fie  ^leiber  —  ©erat^e. 

106 


After  long  search  on  every  hand, 
He  found  a  cave  in  distant  land, 
A  cave  from  all  the  world  concealed, 
And  there  they  hid  in  that  lone  field, 
Without  supply  of  food  or  drink, 
Yet  from  that  "home"  they  did  not  shrink, 
With  Providence  they  cast  their  lot, 
He'll  not  forget  who  ne'er  forgot! 

They  studied  Torah  day  and  night, 
The  Holy  Law  that  proved  their  might, 
But  their  hunger  e'er  more  fierce  grew, 
Their  days  were  numbered,  hours  but  few, 
They  went  to  seek  in  that  large  cave, 
Some  food,  perchance,  their  lives  to  save, 
They  sought  and  found  fresh  water  course, 
And  carob  tree — a  good  resource. 

This  tree  became  their  food-supply, 
That  water  drink  when  they  were  dry; 
Their  clothes  in  order  to  preserve, 
They  put  away,  held  in  reserve ; 
Of  naked  forms  they  hid  the  sight, 
By  sitting  in  sand  day  and  night, 
Except  when  prayers  they  did  address, 
'Twas  only  then  that  they  did  dress. 


107 


9?o66t  Simon  eoljn 


£n  jener  unfjeimlidjen 
geffeltcn  fie  and)  ifjre  Seel/ 
3u  erforfdjen  ba§  @eljeimni§ 
9fatur,  urn  311  fein  genii  n 
§  im  ®ait3en  allerfjanb 
SSobon  bie  ,,^Q&aIa"  cntftanb 
S5a§  arofec  SBerf  ,,@of)ar"  gennnnt 
(5r'§  gci'diricben  mit  feiner 


biefe  SSeif  fdjtonnben  iljueu 
ifjrer  SebenSjafire  briinteu, 
?fn  h)eld)en  i^r  forfd^enbc  (Seift 
2Bunber&are3  im  ©ebiet;  meift 
Set  JRabbiner  —  Seljre  getrtrft 
93tit  tbealen  (Seift  gefd^miidtt, 
llub  bon  ber  romifdjien  9tenierung 

bon  ©imb'n  —  3tegtftrienutn. 


ber  gtoolf  Grilja^ren 
ein  2:^ronmcd)fcl  crfaljren, 
®er  ^atfer,  ber  i^n  berurtJjeilt 
SBarb  bon  SBerletsungS  —  £obt  ereilt; 
Gin  ncner  ^crfdjer  ben  Xfyron  beftieg, 
Segwabigt  SBerbredjcr  mit  fein  <3ieg. 
5tnd)  Simon  lu'fam  ©pur  baDon 
Unb  berliefe  bie  ^6f)I'  [ammt  ben 


108 


RABBI  SIMOX,  THE  SON  OF  JOCHAL 

Yea!  in  that  cave,  grusome  as  Sheol, 

They  concentrated  all  their  soul, 

To  solve  life's  baffling  mystery, 

And  Nature's  secret  history, 

To  search  minutely  through  and  through, 

And  thus  Cabbala  studies  grew, 

The  great  Zohar,  sublime  and  grand, 

\Y,is  all  written,  then  by  his  hand. 

In  such  a  wise  their  years  vanished, 
Twelve  years  since  themselves  they  banished, 
Years  in  which  their  exploring  mind, 
Accomplished  wonders  for 'mankind, 
In   Rabbin's  lore,  their  greatest  field. 
Great  ideals  their  minds  did  yield; 
.Meanwhile  by  Rome  they  were  forgot, 
In  crime's  annals  they  figured  not. 

During  their  cave-life  these  twelve  years, 

They  heard  that  he  who  caused  their  fears, 

The  Emperor  who  sentence  passed, 

Died  a  violent  death  at  last; 

The  new  Ruler  who  seized  the  throne, 

Made  his  conquest  all  sins  atone, 

This  Simon  ben  Jochai  learned — 

They  sought  the. .  freedom,  rightly  earned. 


10',) 


Simon  3oh,n 


$sn  bic  $eimat  ongefommen 
ganb  bie  Sftenfdjen  gang  berfommen, 
Siige,  $eudjelei  imb  5alfd)b,eit 
©ab  fid)  !unb  nur  feine  SBafyrfjeit. 
,,llm  fid)  unb  ©eele  311  retten, 
3ur  $81)1'  trir  gefi'n  fid^  gefretten, 
3Wciben  totr  ben  ©t^QiipIatg  fe^r  gern 
SBofytn  mir  fonft  ntd)t  angefybrn." 


@ie  fe^rten  g 

strolf  ^afire  lebten  fie  rnfyig 
Se^ren  tiefer  gebrungen 

groftcn  @C^Q^  fie  errungen, 
SBarb  in  ber  $6I)Ie  grnu  unb  alt, 

od^  an  $6Ijere§  bolb; 
fafet  ben  Gmtfcfylufe  begeiftert. 
SBelt  nod)  311  Ijab'n  bemeiftert. 


^erliefeen  Me 

Unb  Fefyrten  gar  J§eimotf)  guriicf. 

tag  SSorabenb  langten  fie  an, 

©rei§  etlte  iljnen  boran 
Wit  gh)ei  ©traufeen  in  feiner 

©tjnagog'  gu  lueib'n  er'§  banb 

@imon  befragt:  ,,2Bogu  gtoet?" 

j'n  ©d^omor  nub 

110 


RABBI  SIMON,  THE  SON  OF  JOCHAI. 

When  at  length  at  home  they  arrived, 
But  little  pleasure  they  derived, 
From  beholding  human  conceit, 
Falsehood,  flattery  and  deceit; 
"If  \*e  desire  our  souls  to  save, 
Back  we  must  go  to  our  lone  cave! 
Let  us  flee  the  abode  of  wrong, 
The  place  where  we  do  not  belong!" 

And  thus  to  the  cave  back  they  went, 

Where  twelve  years  more  they  lived  content, 

The  Torah  was  all  their  pleasure, 

They  revealed  its  richest  treasure; 

But  the  Rabbi  grew  old  and  gray, 

He  thought  to  strive  without  delay, 

For  an  immortal  life  to  live, 

In  those  to  whom  he'll  lessons  give. 

They  abandoned  the  cave  for  good, 
Returned  te  their  old  neighborhood ; 
'Twas  on  a  Friday  afternoon, 
The  first  man  they  met  proved  a  boon, 
An  old  man  bearing  two  bouquets, 
They  asked  of  him  in  some  amaze, 
''Why  two?"     "Remember,"  he  replied, 
And  "Observe,"  are  thus  typified." 


Ill 


SKobbt  ctmiw  3 


mem  treucr  unb  guter  ©ofjn! 

gromm  ift  bie  ©neration, 
o,d)  Ijoff',  bie  2Mt  311  5efeF)ren, 

£tirrf)  unfere  Oofje  Cefjren! 
2)teje§  tfjat  er  aud)  fortfe^eit, 

2)ie  SBelt  belebt  mit  ben  ©dja^eu. 
£>ie  neue  6|)0(^'  brad^  ©egen 

©cm  ©eift  bi§  tjent  uu§  tljut  regen." 

SSenn  bie  Seihen  nod)  fo  plngeu, 

Unb  mid)  briicfct  i^rc  Soft, 
Sill  id)  bod)  nidit  jnmmcrn,  flngeu 

5o  ba§  Slenb  mid)  crfafet. 
@ott!  S)u  btft  bem  id^  bertrane, 

Tit  bift  ©tii^e  in  ber  9tolf); 
SBenn  ic^  bctenb  311  bir  fd)ouc, 

\MIfft  bu  menn  llnljeil  brolj't. 


113 


RABBI  SIMON,  THE  SON  OF  JOCHAL 


"Well,  dear  son,  I  am  glad  to  see, 
A  pious  age  there  yet  will  be, 
The  people's  hearts  I  hope  to  reach, 
By  the  good  lessons  that  we'll  teach"; 
Suiting  the  action  to  the  word, 
Sublimest  maxims  ere  were  heard, 
Were  hence  by  them  inspirited, 
By  all  ages  inherited. 

When  the  sorrows  encompass  me, 

And  fairly  crush  me  with  their  load, 
Yet  shall  wailing  not  harrass  me, 

Nor  shall  my  sorrow  me  corrode, 
Lord!  In  Thee,  my  trust  I'm  placing, 

Thou  dost  sustain  me  in  distress, 
When  I'm  praying  Thee  I'm  facing 

For  thou  dost  help  when  troubles  press. 


113 


(Sin  @rei§,  ber  bet  ber  grauenljaft,  fasten 
SSerltwftung  ^eruf  Iem§  511  gegen  toar 
Iie§  ljinfd)Iad)ten 
Sftann  in  einem  £f)al'  gar. 


2>a§  ©emefc'I  in  ^eruf'Iem  lt)ar  fo  grofe, 
S)a§  S3Iut,  Sadjengleid^  burrf)  jenen  ©irafjen 

©efloffen  unb  iiBerott  fid)  ergrofe 

Hnb  n;ie  ein  ©trom  Bebedft  alle  @af[en. 


(Secfjaria,  ber  im 

2Son  ben  Gmtporern  bort  ermorbet  irarb 
llnb  fein  Slut  fid)  bort  bermengt  im  ^rrt^u 
unb  hmfjlte  fort  fiebenber  2lrt. 


2Iuf  biefe  feljr  feltene  ©rfdjeinung 

SSarb  ifte&uferabn  aufmerffan  gemadjt." 
(Jr  fagte:  >tQu  biefer  33eru^igung 

njerben  get^an  unb  gebad)t." 


Sefragt  bie  Gmtpor'r  bie  llrfad)  in  2ButIj, 
@ie  i^m  borauf  ifjre  Slnttoort  gelenft: 
,,g0  ift  einfad)  ber  £)£fertf)iere  —  Slut, 

mit  SP'Jenfdjenblut  fid)  ^atte  bermengt. 


114 


THE  PROPHET  ZECHARIA. 


A  Patriarch  who  witnessed  the  horrible  scenes, 
Of  merciless  carnage,  when  Jerusalem  fell, 

Said  Nebuzaradan,  by  fiendish  means 

Had  slaughtered  twenty  thousand  in  a  certain  dell. 

So  great  was  the  massacre  in  Jerusalem, 

That  human  blood  ran  in  torrents  through  every  street, 
Unceasingly  ran  that  red  stream  through  all  of  them, 

From  their  murderers  they  ran,  seeking  a  retreat. 

The  Prophet  Zecharia  had  been  most  foully  slain, 
Whilst  in  the  Holy  Temple,  near  the  sacred  shrine, 

His  blood  mingled  with  that  of  other  bodies  lain, 
And  bubbled  and  seethed  in  a  manner  most  divine. 

Of  this  phenomenon  Nebuzaradan  heard, 

And  said,  "Henceforth,  it  behooves  me  the  means  to  find, 
To  quiet  that  restless,  noisy  blood,  by  act  or  word, 

And  unless  'tis  accomplished  I'll  not  be  resigned." 

He  bade  the  insurgents  the  mystery  to  explain, 
They  explained  very  glibly  as  though  'twas  true, 

"  'Tis  the  blood  of  sacrifices,  'tis  very  plain, 
The  blood  of  countless  offerings  here  thou  dost  view." 


115 


Ser 


2Bir  njotten  balb  Me  ©ad)  itnierfudjen 
Ob  ifyr  in  ber  Zfycit  bie  28arljeit  ftred)et! 

(JT  nnlint  CHiferblut  itnb  tf)at  incrfnd)cn 
llub  fnnb,  ba§  c§  bitrd)au§  nirf)t  hf)nlidjet. 


fottt  c§  t^cucr  jafjlcn  unb 
S'a  il)r  bie  SBaljrrH'it  nid)t 
§  iF»r  ^letfd)  Dom  Seib  reifeen  unb 
Hub  bio  Wiiubboflcl  bamit 


SBeb'flaflcit  fleftonbcn  btc  Siinbor 
b6§tt)iHifle  Zfyat  unb  3?erbQ(^t: 
ben  Womt  itni"d)iilbin  nid)t  niinbor 
^rebigcn   am   ?fltar   ningcbrac^t. 


,,Tteje§  ift  ba§  inii^Icnbe  fodjenbc  Slut, 
2BeId)e»  urn  9^acf)e  ,311  bem  .^immcl  fd)rcit, 

@cinc  Worbcr  311  beftrafen  rec^t  gut 

Unb  nidjt  fritter  rur)tii  blcibt,  bi§  3iir  ;]cit." 

,,9f2uu  tncnn  btc  Urfadje  biefe§  fein  foil 
28erbe  t<f)  biefem  unfcfjulbiflen  33Iut 

Gine  ©iifjne  bringen  nac^  SSerbienft  bott 
llub  imftanbe  fein  3U  beru^ig'n  gut." 


116 


THE  PROPHET  ZECHARIA. 


"Thoroughly  to  investigate,  I'll  now  proceed, 
To  ascertain  if  you  are  telling  me  the  truth"; 

He  bade  them  bring  the  blood  of  beasts  and  saw  indeed, 
That  such  blood  neither  boiled,  bubbled,  nor  seethed,  forsooth. 

Ye  shall  rue  the  day  ye  made  this  fatal  blunder, 
In  daring,  with  lies,  my  confidence  to  betray!" 

The  skin  from  their  flesh  he  ordered  torn  asunder, 
And  bade  them  cast  it  as  food  for  the  birds  of  prey. 

With  weeping  and  wailing  the  sinners  now  confessed, 
The  terrible  crime  that  now  crushed  them  in  their  guilt, 

How  they  had  slain  Zecharia  when  he  them  addressed, 
On  th'  holy  Altar  his  innocent  blood  they  spilt. 

"And  this  is  the  blood  that  seethes  and  bubbles  and  boils, 

Clamoring  to  heaven  for  swift  retribution, 
In  horror  at  the  foul  deed  the  blood  yet  recoils,— 

Restlessly  awaits  the  slayer's  execution." 

"If  'tis  true,  and  this  be  the  mysterious  cause 

Of  the  restless  action  of  this  innocent  blood, 
An  atonement  will  1  bring  that  will  make  it  pause, 

'Twill  bring  contentment  to  this  red  and  angry  flood!" 


117 


$er  $roj)I)et 


•§irauf  Ijot  er  laffen  ben  gana'n  @enat 
3tuf  biefem  fod)enben  Slut  Ijinfd&rnd&ten 
grbarmen  iibte  er  bie  £{jat 

bennorf)  mrf)t  bead)ten. 


morbete  bie  treffltdtfte  ^ugenb, 
S)ie  fdjonften  ^wngfroiten  in 
93Iut  311  bem  ftrnfyfenben  aufiigenb 
fid)  nidjt  be[d)tnid)tioen  aud)  ba. 


@r  naf)m  je^t  bie  Sdjulfinber  6ei  ©lieber, 
©d^Iadjtete  fie  tuie  ©djcifdjen  in  Wnffen, 

SSermengte  i^r  33Iut  mit  jenem  mieber 
®od)  e§  toollte  fid)  nid)t  beru^ig'n  laffen. 

SD^iibe  bon  bielen  SSiirgen  unb  @djlad)ten 
S'iief  jetjt  au§  ber  bofrtrillige  XQrnn: 

3cd)aria  !  att  bie  Opfer  gebrodjten 
ginbeft  nod)  feine  93eru^igung  baran? 

SBittft  benn  bit  fyab'n  unb  eB  nid)t  beadjten 
llm  beinen  unru^ig  erjiirnten  ©eij't, 

©oil  id)  alle§  in  ^e^uba  fd)Iad)ien? 
@o  'mill  id)  aud)  tljun  alle§  bir  su  meift.,, 


118 


THE  PROPHET  ZECHARIA. 


Thereupon  the  Sanhedrim  were  ruthlessly  slain 

On  that  spot,  with  the  seething  blood  their  blood  blended, 

They  were  slaughtered  without  mercy,  but  all  in  vain, 
The  seething  of  that  wierd  blood  was  still  not  ended. 

Without  mercy  Judah's  excellent  youth  he  slew, 
He  killed  the  most  beautiful  maids  in  Israel, 

That  red  river  of  blood  larger  and  larger  grew, 
E'en  this  sacrifice  the  blood's  fury  did  not  quell. 

He  then  took  innocent  school-children,  dismembered  them, 
Inhumanly  butchered  them  like  so  many  sheep, 

Mingled  blood  with  blood,  the  blood's  fierce  seething  to  stem, 
And  still  the  Prophet's  blood  cried  on  and  would  not  sleep. 

Tired,  at  last,  of  the  fearful  carnage  he  had  wrought, 
The  blood-drunken  tyrant,  the  seething  blood  addressed, 

"See,  Zecharia,  the  great  atonement  I  have  brought, 
Are  you  still  unappeased  and  will  you  yet  not  rest? 

Wishest  thou  in  thy  terribly  hungry  lust, 

In  thy  insatiable  desire  for  revenge, 
That  I  slaughter  all  of  them?  I  shall,  if  I  must 

Kill  all  in  Jerusalem,  thy  blood  to  avenge!" 


119 


er  feine  SBorte  beenbet  fjat 
28arb  ba§  toitylenbe  33Ittt  geftillt. 
S)ie  Grrfdjeimmg  er  jetst  beftmnbern  tf)at 
Unb  ^at  fein  93erftanb  mft  ©taunen  erfillt. 


er  au§  fetnertt  3WorbtaumeI 
@ein  ©etoiffen  toarb  im  S^^ern  rege, 
S3ereuenb  feine  Sljat,  ba§  er  gemadjt, 
Unb  ©ettriffenSbiifee  er  je^t  ^ege. 


3u  firf)  im  ©ebanfen  er  reuig 

,,28enn  ^e^uba  vim  einen 
@o  biel  UngliicI,  £eiben  itnb  llngemad) 

2luf  fid)  fjeratifbefd)tt>or'n  gar 


fiir  bofe§  nub  ein  trauriges 
©oltte  nun  mid)  ericarten  auf  ©rbeu, 
©er  id^  biele  Xaufenbe  fd)onitng§Io5 

itmbring'n  laffen  toie  ©d^afijeerben! 


5tUer  feiner  SBiirben  fid)  entfagenb 

©ieng  er  311  bem  ^ubent^itme  iiber, 
5Den  9teft  feiner  %af)re  berlebt  bangenb 
in  23ufee  itnb  9teue  lieber. 


120 


THE  PROPHET  ZECHARIA. 


These  words  by  Nebuzaradan  were  hardly  spoken, 
When  the  seething  of  that  blood  of  a  sudden  hushed, 

He  gazed  in  awe  at  that  supernatural  token, 

His  understanding  was  baffled,  his  reason  crushed. 

He  was  fully  aroused  from  his  murderous  spell, 

His  sleeping,  half  -dead  conscience  was  at  length  awake, 

And  Remorse  with  all  her  furies  broke  loose  from  hell, 
And  tugged  at  his  heart-strings  as  if  to  make  them  break. 

Loud  throbbed  tempestuous  thought  in  his  heated  brain, 
"If  Judah  such  heavy  forefits  was  forced  to  pay, 

For  one  crime  committed,  one  Prophet  she  had  slain, 

So  fierce  boiled  that  blood  that  its  rage  could  naught  allay. 

What  wretched  fate  will  be  mine,  who  am  steeped  in  crime, 
What  chastisement  by  fiends  invented  can  fit 

Me,  whose  hands  are  imbued  in  blood  as  thick  as  slime, 
Who  slaughtered  countless  thousands  in  this  bloody  pit!" 

He  renounced  his  high  position,  idols  forswore, 

Entered  the  Jewish  faith  with  all  his  heart  and  soul, 

The  rest  of  his  life  he  spent,  his  past  to  deplore, 
Deeply  mourned  his  stricken  conscience,  naught  could  console  ! 


121 


93  en  Sentja,  ©eneral 
®onig  Satoib'S  fjorfrfte  ^beal 
3og  gegen  SImontter  im  ©djladjt 
Unb  belagcrt  tfjre  gcftung§  — 


S)a  gorttfifation  iiB'raE 
9ioc^  alien  D^id^tungen  oljne 
Sort  ollfeitig  tear  fonft  angebra^t, 
S)a§  ein  3"tritt  unmoglidj  gemad^t. 

SBie  am  83erg  fo  burcfjttjegS  in  bent 
SDie  3Kauer  ^oa^  unb  feft  fo  toie 
2)a§  feine  ®ugel  unb  feine  Ihraft 
^onnte  fie  fonft  erfrfjiittern  ernft^aft 


©rofee  Ungebulb  unb  aitcf) 

@ab  fief)  benen  bort  funb  iiBeraH 

®a  fie  brei  Sa^re  bort  augebradjt 

Unb  ba5  Sager  mit  $ung'r§notf)  bebaa^t. 

@ie  befrf)Ioffen  ba^er  auf  einmal 
@ido  aurufgusiefien  bom  S)rangfal 
Snbem  e§  benen  nur  £ofm  gelacfit 
Unb  umgab  eine  finftere 


122 


HEROISM  OF  A  JEWISH  GENERAL. 


Joab,  son  of  Zeruyah,  general  great, 
Most  valiant  man  in  all  King  David's  state, 
Warred  against  Ammon  to  lower  his  pride, 
But  found  all  his  cities  well  fortified. 

Fortifications  defying  ingress, 
Were  erected  everywhere — numberless, 
With  such  wonderful  skill  did  Ammon  build, 
Not  a  foot-hold  to  the  foe  would  they  yield. 

Down  in  the  vale  and  above  on  the  hill, 
Were  towers  high  and  solid,  strong  as  steel, 
No  battering-ram  e'er  the  strength  supplied, 
To  destroy  their  might,  or  lower  their  pride. 

Sick  with  impatience  and  impotent  rage, 
Aching  in  vain  with  the  foe  to  engage, 
For  three  weary -years  Israel  laid  siege, 
Vain  was  their  waiting,  in  vain  to  besiege! 

At  last  they  came  to  the  sad  conclusion, 

That  fortified  walls  mocked  at  intrusion, 

And   'twere  best  for  them  to  go  whence  they  came; 

But,  oh,  how  bitter  it  was!  what  a  shame! 


123 


te  ^clbcntfjat   be?   ^iibifdjcn   Generate. 


2>em  Siibifdjen  £elben  a!3  gelbmar[d)al 
®am  in  feinem  ©ebanfen  bieSmal, 
3u  retten  feine  ©Eire  unb  ^rad)t 
Unb  fein  Seben  311  opfern  gebad^t. 

@o  er  feinen  ©olbaten  Befall 
%>f)m  311  iiberlaffen  ba§  ©d^tcffal: 
llnb  einen  ber  £annenart=3toeigen 
Wlann  i^m  foil  ereicfjen,  fonft  fc^toeigeti. 


,,gitr  nid)  ift  momentan  etne  2BaI)I 
unb  Seben  in  einer  SBagfdjal; 
ber  ©djhringung  iiber  SWau'r  ge6rod)t 

3fuf  einen  ber  Seid^en  gebet  ad)t! 


burd)  Waiter,  bnrd)  ie  einen 
@id]tbore§  93Iut  fliefee,  ein  iWerfmnl, 
®a§  id)  le&e  unb  ^abe  geplont 
Ten  Iveinb  311  fdjlagen,  unb  @iea  i^r  n^nt!' 


(i^inen  S'Qnnenshjetg  erfoft  total 
&erurfad)t  einen  5d)iuung,  einen 
SDer  jiibifdje  ©eneral  nerfdjiuanb 
9Sor  i^ren  Slugen,  Dom 


124 


HEROISM  OF  A  JEWISH  GENERAL. 


The  Jewish  general,  so  brave  and  bold, 
Born  to  win  or  die — of  heroic  mold; 
Was  resolved  to  save  his  Nation 's  glory ; 
At  risk  of  his  life  to  change  this  story. 

He  commanded  his  soldiers,  small  and  great, 
To  leave  him  to  himself  whatever  his  fate; 
First  to  direct  him  to  a  hemlock  branch, 
And  then  they  could  leave  him  to  take  his  chance. 

"Listen!   Now  it  remains  for  me  to  chose! 

My  life  is  in  the  scale  to  win  or  lose, 

Through  this  branch  o  'er  the  rampart  when  I  '11  swing, 

Mark  ye  well  this  token  which  news  will  bring : 

"If,  through  Ammon's  strong  gates  the  blood  will  flow, 
'Tis  the  blood  of  my  foes,  ye  well  should  know, 
And  I  am  alive,  have  planned  with  success, 
For  our  foe's  destruction,  our  God  ye  bless!" 

He  seized  the  hemlock  branch  with  arm  so  stxmt, 
Swung  himself  and  then  with  a  warlike  shout, 
The  Hero  disappeared  from  their  view, 
To  do  what  he  had  promised,  firm  and  true. 

135 


ie  $dbenif)nt  be*  ^iibifdjcn  Gienernls 


SBarb  fjtngejdjleitbert  3«m  9iiebcrfoll 
2Tuf  einen  SWiftfjauf  n  hJottt'S  ber  3ufaH. 
2)ort  Hmr  er  gelegen  in  Oljnmadjt, 
er  fpater  enblid)  aufgelundjt. 


T^arniebcr  liegenb  in  @rfjmer^en§  —  Dual 
^erfrfjmarfitenb  iinn^Iid)  o^nc  Sabfal, 
21I§  eine  §lmonit'r  ^rau  ifyn  frogt: 
2Sie  er  benn  fjergefommen,  unb  [agt: 


311  mir  berfitdje  einmal! 
t)abe  and)  fonft  fein  ^erfonal, 
toerbe  bid)  pflegen  Xag  unb  9?ad)t 
gur  ©enefung  h)irft  fyab'n  boEbradjt." 


©onne  fanbte  einen 
•5Dem  grofeen  ^elben  unb  ©eneral, 
@r  gteng  ^ernad)  burd)  bie  ganje  <3tabt 
Unb  baft  nlle§  au§gefunbfd)aft  \)at. 

(Sin  fdjarfeS  (Sdjtuertdjen  Don  rcinen  ©tal)l 
Sie§  er  anfertigen  bom  ^rimit>al 
GrineS  @d)miebe§  —  Saben,  '  unb  gemad)t 
llnb  begann  ben  ®ampf,  begonn  bie  @d)Iad)t. 


126 


HEROISM  OF  A  JEWISH  GENERAL. 


Thrown  with  a  force  impetuous  and  quick, 
It  was  his  luck  to  fall  where  mud  was  thick, 
Yet  was  he  stunned  by  concussion  so  great, 
To  rouse  himself  quick,  he  was  fortunate. 

Whilst  he  lay  on  the  ground  writhing  with  pain, 
Aching  with  bruises  which  his  strength  did  drain, 
An  Ammonite  woman  his  condition  saw, 
She  questioned  him,  then  helped  to  withdraw. 

"Come  thou  to  my  home,  try  thy  best  to  walk, 
I  am  all  alone,  none  to  whom  to  talk, 
I  will  be  a  nurse  to  thee,  true  and  kind, 
Till  again  thy  former  strength  thou  wilt  find." 

Thus  shone  the  sun  across  our  hero's  path, 
It  gave  him  cheer  with  the  power  it  hath, 
Through  Ammon's  streets  he  now  strode  everywhere, 
And  Ammon's  secrets  his  sharp  gaze  laid  bare. 

A  short  sword  with  blade  of  the  finest  steel, 
Which  underneath  his  coat  he  could  conceal, 
He  ordered  at  the  blacksmith  to  be  made, 
Then  like  straws  they  fell  before  his  trusty  blade. 


127 


2>te  $elbcntl)at  be$  ^iibtfdjcn  (SJeneralS. 


©ein  Slleiberttia^pen  national 
2II§  ein  9tnioniter  ®or£oral 
@o   *onnte  an   iljn   fein  $erba<f)t  fcin, 
er  al§  ©pion  neWmnnTt  ^tnein. 


@etn  ©tfjtDert  unb  §anb  tear  geljemmt,  unb  frfjlrott 
S?on  bem  93htte  ange^auft  unb  qitoll 
3Son  aWetjeln  ge^iubert  unb  bon 
3uflurfjt  aur  ^flegerin  ec  fio^  frfjafft. 


unb  nur  bie§  aff 
©rlange  bu  mtr  gum  le^ten  tnaF 
3u  toafdjen  mein  @d)h)ert  unb  meine  .<oanb 
®amtt  id^  fod)ten  tueiter  imftanb!" 


n  Cafter  gu  ftiitgen  bieSmal 
SSiire  meinem  SSoIfe  ein  StritBfal.,, 
Soab  o^ne  3ogern  [tad)  fie  g'rab 
©en  23aud)  burrf)  unb  niufrf)  in  bem  Unrat. 


brang  er  burrf)  metjelnb  iiberall 

S3Iut  flofe  burdg  SWauer  unb  bura^ 
@r  erreidjte  bie  X^ore  ber  ©tabt 
llnb  fo  triumpljierenb  gefiegt  ^at. 


128 


HEROISM  OF  A  JEWISH  GENERAL. 


His  costume  and  arms  were  national  all, 
Disguised  as  an  Ammonite  Corporal, 
None  could  suspect  him  in  the  least  degree, 
That  a  very  dangerous  spy  was  he. 

His  bloody  sword  clung  to  his  swelling  hand, 
Swollen  by  the  carnage  at  his  command, 
He  slaughtered  them  until  his  strength  was  spent, 
And  then  for  rest  unto  his  nurse  he  went. 

' '  Warm  water  give  me  qtfick  and  that  is  all ! 
He  cried — his  looks  were  enough  to  appall, 
I  want  to  wash  my  sword  and  cleanse  my  hand, 
Then  go  forth  again  to  fight  for  my  land." 

"No!  No!  'twere  vile  of  me  to  help  thee  now! 
Thou  who  my  poor  people  like  straw  didst  mow!" 
Joab,  unhesitating,  ran  her  through, 
With  his  trusty  sword,  which  he  cleaned  anew. 

Thus  his  foes  fell  in  his  sword's  bloody  trail, 
Blood  flowed  in  torrents  through  tower  and  vale, 
Till  at  length  he  reached  the  city's  strong  gate,. 
And  opened  it  for  his  men  who  did  wait. 


129 


i  2Rotr. 


9tabbi  Wl'dir,  beritljmt  als  ^rebiger  meift 
33eliebt  al§  ein  talentierter  9?ebnergeift 
$telt  an  cinen  Sratag  Slbenb  einen  fefyr 
lleberrafrfjenben  SSortrag  gclungcn  mefyr, 
^n  ber  ©tjnagog'  too  ^rauen  unb  Conner 
Slntoefenb  iraren,  Befonber§  Conner. 

©a  in  biefer  iHebe,  bte  tfym  3iir  Gfjre 

©ereid^t,  fanb  atte§  fiir  fid^  eine  ?e^re, 

SBie  ber  Setter  fo  ber  ©emitter,  tuie  ber 

©o  ber  Wiener,  trie  bie  ©Item  fo  bie  ®inber. 

@r  ^atte  and)  ba§  G^eleben  berii^rt 

llnb  ba§  grauengefdrjledfjt  gelobt  rt)ie'§  gebiif)rt. 


ba§  2Ser^aItni§  bom 
bem  STugfprurf)  bon  (Salomon  ber 
S)a§  nur  ein  frommeS  itnb  tugenbf)afte§  2Seib 
®e§  gamilienfjaufeS  unb  be§  3Wanne§  Seib 
9?un  tear  ba§  antoefenbe  grauengefdgleciit 
80  [ef>r  entjiicft  fiir  i^r  eingeraumteS 


Unter  ben  5lnbrang  ber  fo  bielen  grauen 
@rblidfen  toir  ,,3WiIfa  23arfeli"  frfjauen, 
burrf)  ©iferfudjt  if)re§  ©atten  ge^Iagt, 
^ier  33erul)igimg,  fo  gut  er'§  gefagt. 
^ers  ermu^tigt  bon  jene  33eif^)iele 
Unb  toollt  ben  2Rann  fagen  ifjre  ©efii^Ie. 

130 


RABBI  MEIR. 

Rabbi  Meir,  as  preacher,  gained  most  renown, 
His  preaching  made  him  loved  in  country  and  town, 
One  Friday  night  he  held  a  charming  discourse, 
Sweetened  with  sentiment  and  strengthened  with  force, 
Jn  the  Synagogue  where  men  and  women  came, 
There  attracted  by  the  greatness  of  his  name. 

All  were  spiritualized  in  that  sacred  sphere, 

Where  young  and  old  with  all  their  soul  came  to  hear; 

There  Master  and  Servant  both  were  edified, 

Teacher  and  pupil  found  learning  deified, 

Neither  parents  nor  children  knew  more  of  strife, 

For  he  spoke  of  the  sacred  Family-life. 

His  great  eloquence  made  them  all  realize, 

The  truth  of  the  words  of  Solomon  the  Wise, 

That  it  is  only  through  the  virtuous  wife, 

That  Man  can  realize  happiness  in  life; 

Pleased  weiv  the  women,,  radiant  their  faces  shone, 

For  happiness  was  in  their  Domain  alone. 

'Mongst  that  ecstatic  throng,  most  engrossed  we  see,  . 
A  woman,  young  and  comely,  Milka  Barzely; 
Plauged  by  a  fond  husband's  jealousy  insane, 
There  she  found  the  comfort  sought  at  home  in  vain, 
The  Rabbi's  words  soothed  her,  tilled  her  heart  with  joy 
Now  to  tell  her  husband,  lie,  too,  shall  enjoy! 


131 


SSie  aur  Sett  be§  ftabbi  9ftair  ni<f)t  mmber 
®ie  ^ubengaffen  ber  Sfaael  Minber 
2tm  ©abbaifeier  au§gefel)en  fyaben 
SBoHen  ftrir  un§  fritter  malen  unb  laben: 
^n  ba§  @ert)uJ)I  jencr  jubifdjen  ©troffen 
2Bo  Siift  imb  ftromiafeit  fie  t^at  u 


95or  (Sonnemmtergang  ein  ."oafd^cn  unb  jagen 
©in  9tennen  unb  ^Trangen  an  giiljren  unb 
SDa  tragen  bie  SWagbe  ba§  ^Brot  gum  Reefer, 
®ort  ba§  @c^olet,,  aum  Of  en  —  Sinftecfer, 
S)a  bie  Sifrfje  3«nt  ^od^en  borbereitet 
Unb  bort  ber  SBein  bon  bent  teller  geleu-ot. 


bun!elt'§,  e§  geht  unter  bie  ©onne, 
®er  2lu§rufer  berfiinbet  mit  SSonne 
STnfufl  be§  ^eifegeliebten  ©abbot  an 
eilt  5ur  ©tjnogog'  unb  louft  ber  3Wann, 
grau  tniH  ^aben  bie  Sirfjter  enl^iinbet, 
Unb  ©abbatrufic  bnlb  alle§  empfinbet. 


fommt  frbf)Iict)  bon  ber  ©tjnagog'  Ijeim, 
2ltte§  ©raa^It  fid)  ben  tiefen  GnnbrudBfeim 
S5e§  9?abbi  2ftair§  einflu§reid»e  SBirfung 
bie  .£>eraen  atter,  unb  33egeifterunn, 
99arfeli,  ber  ungefd)Iiffene  ©eift 
gana  ollein  beim  ^if^e  nadgbenfenb  meift 


132 


RABBI  MEIR. 

We'll  unroll  the  curtain  of  departed  days, 
And  on  the  soul-stirring  Sabbath-scene  we'll  gaze, 
The  days  of  Rabbi  Meir,  the  age  of  fire, 
When  worship  of  God  was  a  burning  desire, — 
On  the  teeming  streets,  on  Israel  the  devout, 
Reverential  Sabbath  joy  reigning  throughout. 

Long  before  the  rosy  Sun  has  kissed  the  earth, 

And  by  that  embrace  auonunced  Queen  Sabbath's  birth, 

An  eager  procession  prepares  for  the  feast, 

To  honor  the  day  when  repose  man  and  beast; 

There  with  their  burdens  thou  canst  see  in  the  crowd 

Patriarchs,  who,  to  work  for  Sabbath,  are  proud. 

At  last  the  tired  Sun  also  seeks  its  rest! 

And  now  the  Crier  calls  to  Israel  the  blessed, 

To  receive  the  beloved  guest,  the  Sabbath-day; 

Quick  the  men  run  to  the  Synagogue  to  pray, 

The  good  house-wives  now  kindle  the  Sabbath-lights, 

Queen  Sabbath's  now  here  with  all  her  delights. 

And  now  from  the  Synagogue  all  have  returned, 

With  pleasure  they  speak  of  the  lessons  they've  learned, 

From  their  beloved  Rabbi  Meir,  whose  power 

To  move  all  their  hearts,  is  the  theme  of  the  hour, 

'Tis  only  Barzely  that  spirit  uncouth, 

Sits  quiet  at  the  table  and  dreams  of  her  youth. 


133 


t  Sttritr. 


Unb  al§  feine  ©attin  bie  fromnt  imb  gut 
2}on  ber  Sinagoge  (jeim  tarn  mit  Wlut, 
3Kanne  Diabbi  2Kair§  2Borte 

311  sdfjmen,  erjaljlt  bie  SBuub'rforte. 

bir  ber  Jtabbi  fo  gut  gefaHen? 

ftiU  id^  bir  glauben  meljr  bon  aHeu! 


benn,  fo  e§  fid^  bem  gegicTnt  fitrtoafjr, 
§  bu  if)m  bafiir  erfenntlid)  bift  gar: 
©omit  ge^e  sum  5Rabbt  fd^nell  juritrf, 
gii^re  beine  §anb  fcfittell  tuie  ber  9lug'nbIidE 
lleber  feinent  @e[id^te  fieben  mal 

unb  ^er!    ©onft  Bift  bu  em  Dpfer§  Dual!" 


SKilfa  glaubte  e§  bieSmal  al§  ein 
2)a  er  aber  bie  SUjiire  fdjliefet  mit 
®ann  fie  3itr  ©traffe  geleitet  f)inau£ 
©o  SWilfa  beim  Sftarfjbar  nacfytet  im 
23i3  e§  bonn  Ijeller  Xog  geU)orben  toar 
Unb  gieug  sum  9?abbi  e§  311  fd)Iicf)ten  gar. 

fo  tugenbfyaft  unb  feft  bertraut, 
fie  einen  3Wann  nicijt  in§>  Stuge  fdjaut 

fid^  nid)t  getrau'n  3U  fein  berfommen. 
SBunfd^e  be§  2Ranne§  narf)3ufommen. 
®er  9labbi  aber  babon  ^tinntnife  ^at 
S'ia^er  gu  treten  er  fie  bitten  tijat. 

134 


RABBI  MEIR. 

But  this  night,  as  a  wife,  both  pious  and  good, 

Coming  from  Synagogue  in  a  happy  mood, 

To  her  husband,  Rabbi  Meir's  words  she  repeats, 

Wherein  of  happy  family  life  he  treats, 

"Did  the  Rabbi  please  thee?"  he  says  with  a  sneer, 

I  would  believe  this  better  than  all  I  hear. 

Now  to  suit  thy  infatuation  forsooth 

Thou  must  go  and  treat  him  properly  in  truth! 

Return  now  to  the  Rabbi  without  delay, 

And  o'er  his  face  do  thou  pass  thy  hand,  I  say! 

Seven  strokes  do  thou  give  him;  Aye!  thou  must  dare, 

Else  thou  art  a  victim  of  my  hate — Beware! 

Milka  thought  at  first  it  was  only  a  joke, 

But  he  shoved  her  through  the  door  after  he  spoke, 

And  locked  it  behind  her  with  hatred  intense. 

Milka  realized  his  words  in  their  true  sense; 

At  a  neighbor's  house  she  hapless  passed  the  night 

And  sought  Rabbi  Meir  when  shone  the  morning  light. 

Milka,  the  virtuous  woman  and  true  wife, 
Ne'er  cast  a  bold  glance  at  a  man  in  her  life, 
Hence  she  was  quite  unable  to  understand, 
How  she  could  now  obey  her  husband's  command; 
But  the  Rabbi  knew  of  her  husband's  reproach, 
And  kindly  bade  the  suff'ring  wife  to  approach. 


135 


,,2Benn  bit  je  cmf  (Srben  gute§  getfyan 
@o  erbarme  bid)  and)  meiner  bortnn! 
Gr§  brofjt  mid)  beinafje  311  crblinbeu 
Unb  id)  fonft  feine  Sttittel  fonn  finben 
©o  bu  fcifyrft  iiber  meine  5tugen  fd)5n 
©teben  mal  mit  betner  ^anb,  •madgt  micf) 


fd^id^tcrne  9D?iIfa  fo  fe^r  geriifirt 
fid):  tjerbet  ,unb  t^ot  e§  ungeniert. 
Sluj  bn§  bcr  Dtabbi  fid)  fjoflirf)  bebanft 
11  lib  bie  <3adge  i^r  flarlegcnb  erlangt: 
MHni  iiadjaufommen  beineS  Bonn's  SSiHen 
id)  ben  Spafe  feineit  3orn  311  ftitlen." 


Tic  SDtilfa  i[t  jobann  Ijcimgegongcn, 

Si^o  il)r  HJ)iQiin  fie  fcfjr  freunblid)  cmpfangen, 

er  fid)  boburd)  I)at  iibcr3eugt, 
»  fie  uidjt  nur  tugenb^aft  unb  gebeugt, 
tfoiiberu  aud)  Qitl)anglid)  unb  unfd)uibig. 
-3o  Icbton  fie  fort  in  grieben  unb  ©liid. 


tuirfcn,  $eil  unb  SSofjI  311  bringen 
n  Gfyclcut'  unb  nnbern  Singen 
^cfunbet  9?.  Wait  im  5e6cii  febr  Diel 
?(Ilc$  Icbte  in  griebcn  mit  ©efii^L 
GT  Ijat  uberall  Gintradjt  angftrcbt 
^ingcgcn  aber  aud)  fiir  ©gtt  gelebt. 

136 


RABBI  MEIR. 

The  Rabbi  turned  to  her  and  said  with  feeling, 

"I'm  glad  thou  hast  come,  in  thy  hand  there's  healing! 

I  feel  of  late  that  my  sight  I  am  losing, 

No  relief  give  the  remedies  I'm  using, 

But  if  thy  hand  o'er  my  eyes  will  be  passing, 

Seven  times,  'twill  be  a  cure,  all  surpassing." 

The  shy  Milka  was  very  anxious  to  please,  • 
And  complied  with  his  request,  quite  at  her  ease, 
The  Rabbi  first  thanked  her  for  saving  his  eyes, 
Then  revealed  his  purpose,  much  to  her  surprise, 
Thy  husband's  wish  I  desired  thee  to  obey, 
To  appease  his  anger,  this  farce  did  I  play." 

Milka  went  home,  having  fulfilled  the  behest, 
Her  husband's  demeanor  was  now  of  the  best, 
For  he  was  now  convinced  beyond  any  doubt, 
That  she  was  virtuous  and  faithful  throughout, 
A  good  wife  and  innocence  personified! 
Since  then  they  lived  happy,  their  lives  glorified. 

Such  actions,  reconciliation  to  bring, 

Were  with  good  Rabbi  Meir  the  usual  thing, 

Where'er  his  influence  could  repair  the  breach, 

He  was  ever  ready  to  act  and  to  teach; 

Hence  virtue  reigned  supreme  in  Rabbi  Meir's  age, 

For  the  worship  of  God,  to  all  taught  the  Sage. 


137 


£tc  SBunbcrmndfc. 


Grro&erer 
SBar  nad)£)er  baraitf  [tola  nicfjt 
er  be3  frfjb'nften  £em£el§  3erf 
Unb  iiber  ^fra'I  311  fein  ®6nifl. 


a,"  fpottenb  rief  er  ei 
£sm  9?aufd)e  fciner  ©rofee  gans  Icmt: 
o  i[t  nun  ber  @ott  §frael§  311 
9(uf  beffen  ^ilfe  fie  fo  feft  gebaut? 


er  i^nen  biennial  beifte^en 
SSenn  er'§  imftnnb  i[t!  fo  e§  fie  briidt 
©oflen  fie  ifyn  bie^mal  bod)  anflefjen, 
25a§  er  ifjnen  bie§mal  eine  ^ilfe  frf)i<ft!' 


^n  ben  SBunbertenipel  tuo  ber  (Jintritt 
9?ur  fio^en  ^rieftern  geftattet  inar 

Unb  am  2?erf6^nung§tQge  ber  3trtntt 
3u  ber  ^eiligen  Cabe  braurfjbar. 


®ort  in§  aller  £etligfte  Xitu§  brang, 
3Serrt)uftet  alle§  toie  ein  SSilber, 

fro^er  .§cmb  e§  if)m  narf)f)er  gelang 
3u  enttoei^'n  ^sfra'I§  fdtjonfte  Silber. 


138 


THE  WONDERFUL  GNAT. 


Titus,  Conquerer  of  Jerusalem, 

Of  this  great  achievement  was  ever  proud, 
The  Temple's  ruin  was  his  diadem, 

"I  rule  o'er  Israel!"  he  vaunted  loud. 

Mockingly  he  cried  with  prideful  display, 

All  drunken  with  self-glorification, 
"  Where  is  the  God  to  whom  the  Hebrews  pray, 

On  whom  they  rely  for  their  salvation? 

- 
"Let  Him  now  save  them  if  He  has  the  power, 

Now  when  they're  in  misery's  lowest  grade, 
Let  them  pray  to  Him  in  this  evil  hour, 

And  see  if  He  is  strong  enough  to  aid." 

In  the  Temple's  inner  Sanctuary, 
Where  only  on  holy  Atonement-day, 

The  most  holy  High-priest  alone  was  free, 
To  enter  there  to  sacrifice  and  pray. 

In  the  Holy  of  Holies,  Titus  stepped, 
Trod  on  all  things  holy  like  one  bereft, 

Destroyed  with  vandal-hands  whilst  angels  wept, 
Naught  of  Israel's  ideals  holy  left. 


foftbarften  ©efafee  atteS  t>ott 

er  mit  fid)  too  er  nur  gerietf), 
@olb,  8ilber,  (Sefdjmeibe  unb  £orarofl, 
©rfjonfte  im  Xempelgebiet. 


JHeifte  mit  felben  al§ 

2Bo  er  geljerrfcfyt  in  atte  Sanber 
Urn  benen  oiyuaeigen  ein  ©leidfien, 
er  jei  ^erufalem§  ^fanber. 


enblid^  bie  ©trafe  ©otteB  unb  ©djlag 
ereilt  ^otte  auf  bent  3Weere, 

er  Don  ^eritf'Iem  am  felben  Stag 
JRom  gereift  mit  feinem  $eere. 


S)Q§  ®d)iff  auf  toeld^em  er  bann  fegeln  tfjat 
SSar  bem  SSerfinfen  gena^t  gar 

2)a  ein  @turm  e§  gu  umftiirgen  genaljt 
Unb  luar  aud)  in  bem  groften  ©efa^r. 


erljob  feine  ©timm  toieber 
©egen  bie  SKIImatfjt  Idfternb  mit 
r  aufjert  fein'  ^raft  am  SSaffer  nieber 
SDer  bofe,  berrud)te  ^ubengott! 


140 


THE  WONDERFUL  GNAT. 


The  precious  vessels  roused  his  avarice, 
What  the  vile  churl  did  not  destroy,  he  stole, 

Gold,  silver,  everything  of  costly  price, 
All  things  beautiful  and  the  Torah-scrolL 

With  these  trophies  of  victory  he  sailed 

To  different  countries  his  powers-  to  show, 
How  against  mighty  Judah  he  prevailed. 

And  gave  Jerusalem  a  crushing  blow- 
But  retribution  followed  in  his  wake. 

And  overtook  him  on  the  stormy  sea, 
When  from  Jerusalem  leave  he  did  take, 

And"  whilst  his  ship  was  not  far  from  the  lee. 

The  ship  upon  which  he  set  sail  nigh  sank, 
The  raging-  waves  lifted  it  mountains  high, 

Death  stared  them  all  in  the  face  grim  and  blank, 
Death  for  the  wicked,  not  prepared  to  die. 

Infamous  Titus  with  blasphemies  vile, 

Ranted  and  raved  'gainst  th'  Almighty's  decree, 

Sneered  and  said,  ' '  'Tis  the  Jew 's  God 's  ancient  style, 
To  show  His  power  only  on  the  sea. 


U! 


SEBitnbertnfirfe. 


Hud)  bem  s$arao  im  @gt)titenlanb 
Betgte  er  im  Staffer  feine  5?  raft, 

Wog'  er  mtt  mir  fid)  meffen  ^anb  in 
9fm  Srorfenen,  roer  ben  2ieg  befrfjafft!" 

(Sturm  unb  SBerter  ^orte  nuf  311  luiitfjen, 
9?teer  iuurbe  affmalig  ruf)ig, 
if)re§  Canbe§  fie  geriet^en 
Hub  jiim  .t>afen  fie  lenften  guritrf. 

1>o  fie  ba§  ©djiff  gefettet  fyaben  je^tt 
@ilte  fid)  StttiiS  311  gefj'n  IjmQu?. 

(Fine  2)?Me  in  feine  9?ofc  fid)  fefct 
Unb  fonnt  fie  bringcn  nintnier  fiinaii?. 


SWiirfe  fdjlidj  fid)  ein  fe^r  gefofjrlid) 
!v\n  ba§  (Sefiirn  tiefer  nnb  fdjlimmer 
@ie  Derurfodit  ifim  nun  unauf^orlid) 

Cuol'ii  unb  Sdimer^en  immer 


Ter  .t»ammerfd)Iag  be§  3d)mieben  foil  unb  mar 

Xn§  .^ilfSmittel  oft  getoefen  fein 
Tic  MMe  fonft  ju  beru^igen  gar 

bem,  im  ©rfn'rn,  ^ii^Ien  unb 


THE  WONDERFUL  GNAT. 


When  He  against  Pharoa  in  Egypt  warred, 
Horse  and  chariot  in  the  sea  He  threw, 

Fighting  on  dry  land  He  ever  abhorred, 
On  land  I  wish  to  see  what  He  can  do!" 

Instantly  the  storm's  fury  was  allayed, 
The  savage  sea  resumed  its  wonted  quiet, 

The  ship  sailed  peacefully,  was  not  delayed, 
Soon  it  reached  the  shore  and  all  did  alight. 

Hardly  was  the  fateful  ship's  anchor  cast, 
And  Titus  proudly  strode  upon  the  shore, 

When  a  g-nat  flew  up  his  nose,  lodged  there  fast, 
'Twas  not  to  be  dislodged  forever  more. 

The  gnat  by  patient  drilling  bored  its  way, 
Deep  in  the  vile  blasphemer's  wicked  brain, 

Erst  a  conquerer  now  an  insect's  prey, 
He  suffered  unbearably,  endless  pain. 

The  blacksmith's  hamm'ring  proved  the  only  means, 

That  afforded  temporary  relief, 
Quiet  is  the  gnat  when  hammer  intervenes, 

It  is  indeed  respite,  but  very  brief. 


143 


2>ie  SBubncrmfirf  c. 


©teben  ^a^re  biefe  gan3  lange 
£f)at  fie  ifjm  nur  Duafen  bereiten 

llnb  ein  fe!jr  frfjauberfjafteS  gnbeleib 
93t§  gum  ©robe  i^n  t^at  geletten. 


Unb  al§  bie  STerjte  i^n  tfyaten 

Sur  ©rofee  einer  iafjrigen  Xaube 
@oH  fein  bie  Mdfe  in  [einem  ©e^irn 
,  bie§  ber  ©laube. 


®ie  ^alte  gefyaBt  gtnei  ^fitnb  an  @elci(f)t 
©cfinQbel  foil  fein  ©etoefen  Grrj 
iifee  eifern,  ttiomtt  fie  !rierf)t 
bie  SO^iicfe,  in  ber  £Ijat  fein 


3Son  feinem  Seftament'  erge^t  bie  @ag' 

SBa§  er  f)interlaffen  feinem©taat, 
1)a§  man  feinen  ^or^er  derbrennen  mag, 
Slfd^e  auf  7  Sfteete  ftreu'n  bat. 


1)amit  ber  ^ubengoti  nid^t  imftanb  fei 
©einen  ®or£er  fammt  feiner  <SeeIe 

bcm  lobe  rid^ten  311  fb'nnen  frei 
Unb  iljn  bort  nie  imb  nimmer  quale. 


144 


THE  WONDERFUL  GNAT. 


Seven  years'  tortures  unendurable, 

Suffered  that  proud  tyrant,  an  insect's  slave, 

With  great  agony,  pains  incurable, 

The  gnat  accompanied  him  to  his  grave. 

The  physicians  searched  the  wonderful  cause, 
Of  that  fearful  pain  in  the  tyrant's  head, 

And  found  the  gnat  so  large,  it  made  them  pause, 
As  large  as  a  dove  it  had  grown,  'tis  said. 

Fully  two  pounds  was  its  portentous  weight, 
Of  the  strongest  steel  was  its  beak  quite  strong, 

Its  claws  were  of  iron  and  intricate, — 

Thus  perished  the  churl  who  did  the  Jews  wrong ! 

In  the  testament  he  had  left,  'tis  said, 
He  had  written  that  it  was  his  desire, 

That  they  should  burn  his  body  when  he's  dead, 
And  on  seven  seas  strew  th'  ashes  entire. 

In  order  that  the  Jew's  God  shall  not  find 

Any  vestige  of  him  in  any  way, 
That  naught  of  his  body  be  left  behind, 

To  bear  chastisement  on  the  judgment-day." 


145 


Ste 


ber  ficfj  unfterblirf)  gemacrjt 
llm  feiner  @igenfcf)aft  unb  talent's—  2Karf)t 
SSarb  3.  6.  8.  5.  narf)  ber  ©rfjopfung 
3u  93abt)Ion  gebor'n,  Grrgieljung 
SBon  armen  (JItern  fonft  genojfen, 
SSon  ber  5trbeit  mit  ©cfjtoeife  begoffen. 

Stlltaglid)  gieng  er  in  SSalb  Fjinein, 
Xrug  an  feinem  9?iicfen  gans  attein 
(Sin  frf)tt)ore§  Siinbel  $013  jum  SSerfauf 
Unb  am  SWarfte  berdufeert  barauf, 
Unb   [o   er  immer  fief)   fortgeplagt 
5iir  e§  eiternf>au§  er  e§  getoagt. 

3In  einen  fefjr  fii^Ien  ^erbftabenb 

Gr  mit  $013  belaben  unb  irabenb, 

33egegnet  ifym  ein  alter  ©rei§: 

,,SBoF)in  benn  fo  fpat  in  biefem  ®rei§ 

Unb  luarum  beine  ©dfjitfie  nidjt  an? 

®a  ein  ®orn  bein  gufe  berftiimmeln  fann!" 

Slcf),  ber  SBinter  i[t  fo  grofe  unb  lang 
SSor  einen  ©rfjnee,  gi§  unb  grofteS  —  ®rang 
®ie  midq  borf)  ftt^ii^en  bor  Untergang, 
ici)  fparfam  leben  im  Slnfang, 
gltern  fb'nnen  mtr  ni(f)t§  geben 
3)a  (Jlenb  im  §aufe  t^itt  frfjnjeben." 

146 


THE  POWER  OF  FAITH. 

Hillel,  he  who  achieved  immortal  fame, 
Whose  character  and  talents  all  proclaim ; 
In  thirty-six  eighty-five,  the  world's  year, 
In  Babylon  began  his  famed  career, 
liaised  by  his  parents  in  poverty  dire, 
Trained  to  hard  labor  that  made  him  perspire. 

Day  after  day  to  the  forest  he  went, 

For  a  load  of  wood  that  his  back  nigh  bent, 

'Twas  a  heavy  load  that  he  daily  brought, 

To  the  market  where  purchasers  he  sought; 

Though  his  young  back  to  labor's  yoke  was  tied, 

Glad  was  he  for  his  parents  to  provide. 

One  Autumn  eve,  the  air  was  raw  and  cold, 
Carrying  a  load  hard  for  him  to  hold, 
He  was  met  by  an  old  man  with  kind  face, 
Who  asked:  "What  dost  thou  so  late  in  this  place? 
And  why,  my  child,  are  shoes  by  thee  not  worn? 
I  fear  thy  foot  may  be  pierced  by  a  thorn." 

"Ah  me!  The  Winter  is  long  and  severe, 
And  the  snow,  the  ice  and  sharp  frosts  I  fear, 
What  saves  me  from  those  terrors  but  my  shoes, 
Therefore  I  must  save  them  now,  and  not  use, 
For  my  poor  parents  cannot  give  me  aught — 
Besides  grim  want,  in  our  house  there's  naught." 


Tic  Wurijt  be8  GJIaubenS. 

Seine  blaffe  garbe  berratfyet  bid), 

©Q§  bit  Ijungern  tfyiift,  fo  glcmbe  id); 

9famm  bie  ©ateln,  bie  id)  erblirfe 

2tu§  beiner  £afd)'  unb  bid^  erquidEe 

Unb  Inbe  inbe§  bein  ^>ers  gefcijtrinb 

®enn  fonft  bit  botf)  berfrfjmQtfjteft,  mein  ®inb!' 


jinb  bie  ®ateln  mein  Sibenbbrob, 
mir  nii^t  giinnen,  mad)§  jum  SSerbot, 
fiefy!  in  ber  ©tro^iitte,  ad)  @ott! 
fitegt  goblin',  meine  5(mme,  tuie  tobt! 
DaS  l)at  ber  ^linger  if)r  berurfadb.t 
1)runt  id)  bie  ©ateln  fitr  fie  bebodjt." 


(>n  betDunbernb  unterbrac^: 
bie  ©ng'I  uber  bid)  fein  toad)! 
Iffiie  biifter  unb  triib  bein  3Korg'n  fid)  jeigt 
2>efto  I>eit'rer  bein  Stbenb  geneigt. 
Xiebe  tDo^I  aiif  e§  2Sieberfeb.cn 
©otte§  (Segen  mog  bir  beifteb^en!" 


gum  breige^nten 
93efafe  $ilel  fein  Silbung 
®a  er  bon  ©enie  begabt  feb,r  Ijod) 
giir  fjoJjereS  SBiff'n  Stmbiiion  bodj 
33egab  er  fid)  nad)  ^erufal'm  fd)on 

be§  ,,©djmai  unb  Sfbtaljon. 

148 


THE  POWER  OF  FAITH. 

"I  see  by  thy  haggard  face,  pale  and  wan, 

That  thou  hast  not  supplied  thy  inner  man, 

There  in  your  pockets  some  dates  I  espy, 

Eat  them,  my  child,  your  hunger  satisfy, 

Take  them,  poor  lad,  and  nourish  thyself  quick, 

Lest  from  hunger's  fierce  pangs  thou  wilt  fall  sick!' 

' '  These  dates  for  me,  a  good  meal  would  supply, 
But  this  pleasure  I  must  myself  deny, 
For,  see  you,  on  the  straw  patch  lying  there, 
Is  'Madlin,'  my  nurse,  a  prey  to  despair, 
Suffering  from  hunger,  she's  barely  alive, 
These  dates  I  bring,  her  spirits  to  revive." 

The  old  man  gazed  with  admiring  regard, 

And  said:  "May  angels  e'er  thy  footsteps  guard, 

Be  thy  lot  e'er  so  sad  in  thy  Life's  morn, 

The  brighter  thy  evening  with  light  new-born, 

Farewell  till  again  I'll  be  at  thy  side, 

May  God's  blessing  ever  with  thee  abide!" 

i 
Although  Hillel  at  the  age  of  thirteen, 

But  little  of  education  did  glean, 
Still  his  rare  genius  would  not  let  him  rest, 
His  ambition  sped  him  in  culture's  quest, 
To  Jerusalem,  in  search  of  knowledge, 
At  the  Sh'maya  and  Abtalyon  College. 


149 


lie 


6r  fanb  jebod)  feine  Slufnafjtn'  bort, 
SDa  ber  Stnbrag  Don  ben  <5d)iilern  fort 
Unb  bte  befonb're  SlufnaljmnSgebiUjr 
®onnte  er  and)  nidjt  bcforgen  ^icv 
©omit  blieb  i^m  toetteu  nid^t§  iibrig, 
©ott  .angufle^en  inbriinfttg. 


llm  9lafjrung  fief)  je  311  Ocrforgen 
©ieng  er  im  SSalbe  jeben  sDJorgen 
Srad^te  ^olj  gum  .^anbel  nnb  SSerfauf 
Unb  fo  fii^rte  er  fein  SebenMcmf. 
3Som  @d)Iafe  beraubt  be§  9?arf)t§  [titbiert 
Sefjrgebdub'  fein  Sftacrjtlager  siert. 


2lm  2)ad)e  er  burdjgebofyrt  ein  Sod) 
@ein  £)^r  geneigt  511  uerneljmen 
®ie  Sefyrbortrage  oufsufaffen 
Unb  )o  berme^rt  fein  SBiff'n  in  2>iaffen. 
;Der  ftrenge  SSinter  riicfte  Derail, 

liegt  am  £ad)  im  ©d)nee  bortan. 


eine§  XageS  er  t>erfd)mad)teub 

fein'm  3Cug'  burd)'§  £od)  fllo^t,  betraditenb; 
@inen  ber  Scorer  in§  3Iug'nfd)ein  fiel, 
2)iefe  (£rfd)einung  ermerft  C^efiif)!! 
$alb  erftarrt  man  trug  il)tt  don  bent  ©ad) 
Unb  tljn  3iim  5)en)uftfein  gebradjt  ftiad). 

150 


THE  POWER  OF  FAITH. 

But  many  a  scholar  had  come  before, 

And  there  being  no  room  for  any  more, 

Nor  being  able  to  pay  required  dues, 

He  knew  not  what  to  do,  what  path  to  choose, 

And  thus  nothing  remained  for  him  to  do, 

Except  to  pray  to  God  who  e'er  is  true. 

Seeking  the  where-withall  life  to  sustain, 
To  the  forest  he  went  wood  to  obtain ; 
Daily  to  market  he  brought  it  for  sale ; 
Thus  he  gained  his  daily  bread  without  fail, 
Robbed  of  sleep,  his  nights  on  study  intent, 
On  the  college  roof  sleepless  nights  he  spent. 

In  the  college-roof  he  had  bored  a  hole, 

To  which  he'd  place  his  ear,  with  all  his  soul, 

To  listen  to  the  wise  discourse  below, 

The  more  he  would  hear,  the  more  he  would  know, 

But  stern  frosty  Winter  moved  on  apace, 

Beneath  the  snow-pile  Hillel  laid  his  face. 

One  day,  weak  with  hunger  and  chilled  with  cold — 

In  the  college,  one  looked  up,  and  behold! 

A  peculiar  form  on  the  glass  appeared, 

Curious  more  to  see,  the  teacher  neared; 

A  frozen  form  in  the  warm  room  they  brought, 

Those  revived  him  from  whom  he  knowledge  sought. 


151 


GttauOenS. 


befragt  bom  Sefjrerberbanb 
fein  Slbenteu'r,  toa£  fein  Umftanb. 
(Jr  gibt  Don  fid)  ein  getreueS  23ilb 
SSorauf  ifjn  ber  Seljrer  £roft  erfillt. 
(fr  iDitcbe  jel^t  retd)licf)  unteri'tii^t 
Unb  fount  fortfc^'n  fein  Stubium  i^t. 

©ein  reger  (Seift  entmirfelte  ftc^  Balb 
Ueberragt  bie  ©djiiler  ber  Slnftatlt. 
Sin  Se^r[tuf)I  —  SBorft^  bot  man  tfym  an 

Ginmanb  bon  irgenb  ein  Hftann 
feinem  SBtff'n  beftiirmt  er  bie  SSelt 
©filler  gefiillt  [ein  Sel)r|al§  — 


SJiefer  ^od^i^ul'  rtiarb  er 
SSerbef  jert  ben  Xalmub  ofyne  3^1- 
Gr  tcurbe  befannt  im  ©anjen  Sonb, 
giir  feine  ©ebulb  unb  freier  ^anb. 
3og  bann  auf  ftii)  bie  Sfufmerffamfeit 

grofe'n  ©c^ama,  unb  geriet^  in  ©treit. 


©eine  ©afeungen  blieben  iebod) 
(Sine  fe[te  5Bai"i§  bi§  fjeut'  norf). 
Gr  lebt  fonft  fort  al§  gldnsenber  ©tern 
2lm  JQimmel  toie  auf  Grben  in  Sfyr'n, 
SDem  S«bent^um  al§  aJJufterbilb 
Unb  aller  SSelt  ein  ettjigeS  ©djilb. 

152 


THE  POWER  OF  FAITH. 

Hillel  was  questioned  by  the  teachers  all, 

What  brought  him  up  there,  what  him  did  befall 

He  truly  told  of  his  life,  hopes  and  aims, 

Was  encouraged  in  his  ambitious  claims, 

And  richly  supported  in  learning's  quest, 

He  now  could  study  at  his  very  best. 

His  studies  awakened  that  giant  mind, 

He  led  the  school,  they  were  all  far  behind, 

Soon  he  occupied  a  Rabbinical  chair, 

With  no  opposition  from  anywhere, 

By  storm  he  took  the  world  with  his  knowledge, 

And  eager  scholars  throngd  to  his  college. 

A  Principal  became  that  shining  light, 

Of  that  great  college,  the  most  erudite, 

And  in  the  whole  world  the  fame  of  his  name, 

For  learning  and  meekness  met  with  acclaim, 

His  liberality,  too,  roused  the  great 

And  exact  Shamai  to  a  learned  debate. 

His  Talmudical  expositions  yet 
Almost  all  our  Jewish  laws  interpret; 
As  brilliant  star  in  Israel's  firmament, 
On  earth  and  in  celestial  element, 
He  shines  as  an  eternal  beacon  light, 
To  guide  Israel  in  the  path  of  right 


153' 


SctSfjrit  ber 


(£ine§  fd)6ne§  ©ommertageS  gtengen 
3n>ei  ^uben  luftig  Dor  fief)  f)in 

armeltoalb  IPO  2*6gei  fingen 
2Bo  ^flanaen  grim  unb  Saume 


ganger  berfolgt  if)re  ©d^ritte, 
6ilenb§  fefcte  er  ifjnen 
@ie  erreirfjt,  fprang  in  i^rer 
Unb  naf»m  fie  gefangen  einforf). 


@r  fi%te  fie  be§  SSege§,  serrte  fie 
3Ktt  fid),  fonft  gu  gef)en  loeiter 

2(uf  bie  Sanbftraffe  gleitf)  mil  bem 
£>a§  sie^t  SKagen  fammt  ben  better 


3Beit  entfernt  sogen  bie  aud) 
@ie  ritten  fonft  t>oU  belaben 

Eer^anb  ©fftoaaren  unb  @d)mau§ 
Unb  fd)ienen  311  fein  9Jomnben. 


gtuei  gefang'nen  ^fraelitten 
©prad^en  ftille  su  einanber: 
,,©ief),  bie  ^ar'mane  bort  geritten? 
$ift  feine  Crbnung  in  if)r  SSanber. 


154 


WISDOM  OF  THE  JEWS. 


One  fine  summer  day,  on  a  promenade, 

Went  two  Jewish  comrades  on  pleasure  bent, 

To  hear  the  birds  trilling  in  Carmel's  glade, 
And  inhale  the  sweet  flowers  fragrant  scent. 

A  hunter  pursued  this  human  quarry, 

The  robber  of  men  was  hot  on  their  trail, 

His  evil  designs  did  not  miscarry, 

He  reached  them  and  captured  both  without  fail. 

He  bound  them  and  led  them  on  the  high  way, 
Forced  them  in  front  whilst  he  followed  behind, 

Right  on  the  road,  and  not  in  a  by-way, 

Where  beast  of  burden  their  busy  way  find. 

In  the  distance  as  a  vanguard  leading, 
A  troop  of  camels  who  heavy  loads  bore, 

Of  all  kinds  of  food,  was  swiftly  speeding, 
In  the  care  of  nomads,  a  score  or  more. 

The  two  Jewish  captives,  whilst  on  their  way, 
Carried  on  a  whispered  conversation, 

"Seest  thou  this  caravan?"  one  did  s;iy, 
"Their  irregular  peregrination? 


SSciSfjcit  bcr  frtbrn. 


©in  ®omeel  ift  nad)  meiner  SKnftdjt 
Stitf  einem  Stuge  ganu  blinb; 

S5ie  gtoei  ®riige  bon  grofeem  ©eft)id)t 
SSerben  fid)  auSleeren  gefd)tt)inb. 

^n  einem  ^ruge  befinbet  fid) 

feljr  t^eurer,  foftlidjer  SSein 
bem  anbern  toieber  glaube  id) 
feineS  £)el  ent^alten  fein. 


Unb  bort  bie  giDet  ^ameelentreiber 

SSirb  einer  fein  ^fraelitt, 
2)er  anbere  ein  ©ofcenglauber, 

S)a§  glaube  id),  burd)  feinen  @d)ritt. 

llnter  invent  S^iirfen  fo  ge^enb 
$orte  ber  Smtflet  bie  SSorte 

©r  toenbet  [id)  311  benen  be^enb 
llm  9TuffIarung  am  felben  Orte. 


eS  ^ubengefdjledjt 
feib  if)r  benn  fo  flug 
fjabt  ja  bod)  nid)tg  ge)el;en  red)t! 
§  mitfe  bod)  nur  fein  ein  93etrug." 


156 


WISDOM  OF  THE  JEWS. 


"One  camel,  if  I  rightly  calculate, 

Is  entirely  blind  in  one  of  its  eyes, 
The  two  jugs  it  carries,  of  heavy  weight, 

Will  soon  lose  all  their  contents,  I  surmise. 

One  of  the  jugs,  I  have  no  doubt,  contains 

A  wine  that  is  very  costly  and  rare, 
I  am  convinced  that  the  jug  that  remains, 

Oil  of  excellent  quality  does  bear. 

Of  the  two  camel-drivers  I  discern, 

That  one  of  the  men  is  an  Israelite, 
The  other  is  a  heathen,  this  I  learn, 

By  his  footsteps  which  I  here  have  in  sight." 

Behind  their  backs  these  words  the  robber  heard, 
In  great  amazement,  what  could  all  this  mean? 

He  commanded  them  to  explain  each  word, 

How  could  they  know  those  things  when  naught  was  seen? 

"0!  Ye  stubborn  sons  of  a  stiffnecked  race! 

Why  do  ye  dissemble,  think  yourselves  sly? 
These  things  you  have  described — how  could  ye  trace? 

Surely  what  you  have  said  must  be  a  lie!" 


157 


tt  bcr 


nein,  berfefcen  £tme  ifym  ernft, 
@adje  ift  ja  90113  cinfarfi: 
•Kerfe  e§  bir  rtiofjl  red)t!  fo  bu  lernft 
2)e§  SScr^altniffeS  llngcmad). 

S5eobacf)tc'ciitiunl  gut  bae  iicr 

2Bie  e§  ba§  6ra§  am  Ort  beraefjrt 
SSon  etner  ©eite  frifet'S  alle§  jd^ier 

bon  ber  anbern  ntd)t*  berfefjrt. 


ift  c§  nur  eiu  flarer  23etoei§, 
e§  auf  einem  Hug'  blinb  ift 
e§  ja  bod)  um  feinen  $rei§ 
SSon  ber  anbern  ©cite  511  frijjt. 


@o  oitdi  ber  ^nljalt  jener 

3Wag  fein  2Bein  unb  Del  ganj  geinife, 
$)a  bon  beiben  trieft  e§  gcniige 

3itr  ©rbe  gleirf)  im  2?er^altni§. 

@o  ber  2Bein  Serluft  ber|"rf}h)inbei  gang 
SBonn  er  auf  bie  Grbe  faUt, 

2Ba^)renb  £)el  oben  bleibt  fammt  ben 
llnb  fid)  mit  beiben  nid)t  gefellt. 


158 


WISDOM  OF  THE  JEWS. 


"Nay,  nay!  they  protested,  with  earnest  mien, 
What  we  have  observed  is  all  very  true, 

By  close  attention  'tis  readily  seen, 
Observation  will  make  it  clear  to  you. 

Look  on  the  ground  and  examine  it  well, 
Notice  the  grass  of  which  the  camel  ate, 

One  side  was  devoured,  thus  you  can  tell, 
The  other  it  left  in  a  complete  state. 

Thus  you  can  tell  that  the  camel  is  blind, 
That  it  has  HO  sight  in  one  of  its  eyes, 

As  of  one  side  it  ate  all  it  could  find, 
Whilst  the  other  side  it  seemed  to  despise. 

The  contents  of  the  jugs  we  also  know 
To  be  wine  and  oil  without  any  doubt, 

For  enough  has  dripped  on  the  ground  to  show, 
By  the  kinds  of  moisture  floating  about. 

The  wine  has  been  absorbed  in  the  ground, 
For  'tis  its  nature  to  soak  in  the  soil, 

Whilst  the  oil  you  can  see  floating  around, 
As  mingling  is  not  the  nature  of  oil. 


159 


SBct^cit  ber 


Unb  besiiglid)  ber  ®ameerntretber 
28irft   bit   felber   aud)   geftefyen, 

Ta§  ber  Qrine  em  ©ofcenglauber, 
SBeil  er  -Straffen  —  2Jttt'  tfjut  gefjen. 


SSo  fyingegen  ein 

SBenbet   fid^   immer   etner   <3ett' 
3SeiI  er  fitrcfytet,  ba§  dauber  ge^'n  mit 

Unb  ifjn  iiberf  alien  gur  Qeit." 


ber  $etbe  biefe§  jugefjort 
SBoIIte  er  e§  nid^t  gugeben, 
Sief  unb  ^olte  fie  ein  ungeftort 
Unb  fanb  tuie  t^m  angegeben. 

©r  font  je^t  guriicf  better  greitben 
Unb  am  ^opfe  er  fie  gefiifet 

fie  bann  Ijeim  311  fic^  beiben 
Unb  frfjiifct  fie  'eine  lange 


Unb  fprarf):  %a,  biefer  ©ott  fet  gelobt,, 
®er  bon  feiner  Ijoljen  2Bei§^eit 

^inber  befeelenb  er^robt, 
Unb  ouSgebilbet  mit  SHugljeit. 


160 


WISDOM  OF  THE  JEWS. 


The  two  drivers  we  have  described  aright, 
You'll  acknowledge  the  truth  of  what  we  say, 

One  is  a  heathen,  not  an  Israelite, 

As  he  walked  in  the  middle  of  the  way. 

For  an  Israelite  such  boldness  would  lack, 
The  sheltered  side  of  the  road  he  prefers, 

As  he  has  reason  to  fear  an  attack, 

By  robbers  who  would  take  him  unawares." 

The  heathen  would  not  credit  what  he  heard, 
Before  he  would  put  their  words  to  the  test, 

He  reached  the  caravan,  and  every  word, 
The  Jews  did  speak,  the  drivers  did  attest. 

When  he  returned,  with  joy  he  was  transformed. 
With  reverence  he  kissed  them  on  the  bpow. 

The  part  of  a  good  host  he  now  performed, 
Invited  them  home  and  sheltered  them  now. 

''Praised  be  the  God,"  said  the  robber  reformed, 
Who  a  share  of  His  wisdom  has  given, 

To  Jacob's  children  whose  genius  he  formed, 
To  compare  with  the  angels  in  heaven!" 


.161 


t  Slmnon  nnb  bcr  Undone  £ofef. 


SSon  bem  eingefdfjalteten  ©ebet 
SBirb  in  ©djriften  foIgenbeS  erjofjlt: 
33or  adjtljunbert  ^afjren  ungefafjr 
Sebte  ein  reiser  Sftann  itnb  frommer, 
ffiabbi  Stmnon  fein  guter  ^amen 

geliebt  bon  S«^'^/  ©^rift'n  ^ujamrnen, 


©ein  9tuf  tear  auSgebe^nt  toeit  unb  Breit 
2)rang  felbft  im  §ofe  311  feiner  3^t, 
S)e§  ^urfiirften  unb  9?egierung§ftanb 
©tabt  5Wain3,  bo§  im  Seutjdjenlanb 
^erfd^er  furfjt  feine  "Befantfrfjaft 
Unb  if)m  angeboten  feinc  gr 


£od)gead)tet  unb  gcprief'n  hnmcr 
Sebt  er  fort  in  (Swiften  nid^t  frfjlimmer, 
33i§  ber  Cberfefretor  be§  giirft'n 
2er  bie  5Iu§3etrf)mmg  be§  %ub'n  3u  liffn 
S3eneibenb  i^m  tfyat  berleumben  j 
^n  ben  2lug'n  be§  ^>crrfd)er§  unb 

&I§  e§  bem  bb'f'n  Sefretdr  gclang 
Sen  %ub'n  311  brtngcn  uni  fetncn  iRang 
2?erQnlQft  ben  giirft'n  311  glcid)cr  3eit 
S)en  Stmnon  aufjucrlegen  fo  mcit, 
S5a§  er  feinen  ©lauben  abfogteore 
Unb  sum  e&riftent&iim  fief)  befe^re. 

162 


RABBI  AMNON  AND  THE  '"UNETHANE  TOKEF." 

Of  the  "Unethane  Tokef,"  the  famous  prayer, 
In  ancient  manuscripts,  Sages  declare 
That  eight  hundred  years  ago  —  thereabout, 
There  lived  a  great  man,  both  rich  and  devout, 
Rabbi  Amnon  was  Jiis  beloved  name, 
Beloved  of  Jew  and  Christian,  known  to  fame! 

His  reputation  was  known  far  and  wide, 

And  even  reached  the  court  where  did  preside 

The  Prince  and  his  proud  Nobles,  whose  decree, 

Was  absolute  law  in  Mainz,  Germany; 

The  Prince  whose  acquaintance  the  Rabbi  made, 

Offered  him  his  friendship,  sincere  and  staid. 

Highly  honored  and  for  his  virtues  praised, 

Deserving  his  good  grace,  none  was  amazed,  — 

Except  the  Secretary  of  the  Prince,  — 

The  Jew's  popularity  made  him  wince, 

Th'  envious  churl  slandered  without  respite 

The  Jew  'gainst  whom  the  Prince  he  would  incite. 


the  Secretary,  —  evil  spirit  — 
Caused  the  Jew  to  lose  his  rank  and  merit, 
He  goaded  the  Prince  to  further  evil, 
Obsessing  poor  Amnon  like  a  devil, 
That  the  Rabbi,  Judaism  renounce, 
And  as  true  Christian  himself  announce. 


163 


9?ab6t  3Imnon  unb  ber  llnfennc  Sofcf. 

2tmnon,  bon  Bof'n  3)ingen  ntd)t§  geafjnt. 
£er  93efud)  gum  £ofe  irm  fonft  mafynt, 
2Barb  bom  ^itrften  angefprorfjeit  bie§mal, 
Xa§  cr  fetnen  9lot^  befolg'  ctnmol 
2id)  ju  jtaufen,  unb  bann  ©liicfltrf)  fcin, 
fcintgen  ©nabe  artgebeifj'n. 


,,^Q,  mtt  mcinem  le^ten  £ropfen  93Iut 
llnb  mtt  Seben,  @eele,  $ob  unb 
giir  bid)  gu  obfern  &in  id)  Bereft; 
^seborf)  ben  ©djritt  gegen  ber  (Sottfjeit 
©oil  fein  immer  fern  bon  mir  unb  bir 
Unb  mill  Iteber  am  Ort  fter&en 


)oH  benn  id)  Ijcutc  metnem  C^ottc 
Untreu  tnerben  gegcn  ©ebotc? 
So  fnnn  id)  morgen  untreu  toerb'n  bir 
llnb  bcin  Qanb  bcrratl)en  nod)  SBiUfier." 
<viirft  Bef)orrt  bod)  ba§  (Sefagte 
5rmnon  um  Sebenfjeit  fragte. 


Hrnnon  anlangenb  in  jcinent 
8c^t  fid)  3ur  Grbc  trauernb  gar  au§, 
S^ermeibet  jcfct  ^a^rung  unb  Speifc 
iReuig  serfnirrfd)t  in  einer  SBeifc. 
<$&  fdjlug  enblid)  bie  Gntfd)eibung§ftunb, 
berfjarrt  cr  betm  Ocbet  tin 

164 


RABBI  AMNON  AND  THE  "UNETHANE  TOKEF." 

Rabbi  Amnon  of  danger  unaware, 

As  usual,  to  the  court  did  repair, 

The  Prince  his  wish  to  him  now  plainly  told, 

And  advised  him  to  obey — nor  withhold 

His  consent  to  become  a  renegade, 

Promising  to  raise  him  to  a  high  grade. 

"Yea,  with  my  last  drop  of  blood  am  I  true 

To  thee,  with  life  and  fortune,"  said  the  Jew, 

"I  would  sacrifice  all  at  thy  mere  nod 

But  ask  not  of  me  to  deny  my  God! 

Let  this  base  thought  be  far  from  me  and  thee, 

Or  else  my  dead  body,  here,  thou  wilt  see!" 

"How  shall  I,  to-day,  my  Maker  forsake, 

Deny  my  religion,  its  mandates  break? 

And  thus  to-morrow  thee  I  may  betray, 

My  country's  favor  with  falseness  repay!" 

But  the  Prince,  unmindful,  his  old  words  spake, 

And  time  to  consider  did  Amnon  take. 

When  Amnon  reached  his  house  he  reflected, 
That  he  asked  time,  hence  was  much  dejected, 
Sat  on  the  ground  and  wept,  refusing  food, 
His  words,  "I'll  consider,"  he  deeply  rued, 
The  appointed  time  came,  the  fateful  hour, 
Still  he  sat— he  prayed  to  the  highest  power. 


165 


5Rabbi  9lntnon  nub  bcr  Hnfmnc  £ofef. 

©r  sogert,  ber  giirft  ungebulbig, 
®cr  giirft  erflarte  ifm  and)  fdjulbig. 
Stmnon  jebod)  fid)  Ijartnadfig  seigt 
2Boranf  er  in  Scffcl  loarb  gelcit. 
,,^u  I)a)t  bid)  bent  "}3cfcl)[  inibcujctjt" 
llnb  bic  S-rnge  nid)t  benntinortct  ict3t!" 


cduibcrnb:  ,/£)  mcin 
^d)  fcnne  meine  ^flid)t  nngefnfyr, 
©o  fcin  9.)?utI)tuiIIcn  bic  Urfadjc 
©onbcrn  ber  ©loubc  ift'§  Ginfnd)c, 
©omit  al§  ^nbc  bin  id)  gebor'n 
llnb  nl§  jold)cr  iuill  id)  fcin  Uerlor'n." 


SDarauf  fprad)  je^t  bcr  Unitfjcnbe 
,,2Ba§  bu  mit  bctncin  Wlnubcn  tljnn  luirft 
(Soil  mid)  hienig  fiimmern  nnb  bnngcn 
S)u  ^nft  bid)  gegen  mid)  Dcrgangcn! 
©u  follft  e§  biifeen  t^euer  unb  Ijart 
baju  in  meiner  @egentt)art!" 


fei,  tt)ic  bit  e§  geurtl)eilt  ^aft, 
bcrbicne  e§  nid)t  beffer  fafet 

id)  mir  Scbcnf^cit  berlangt 
llnb  I)ab  mid)  bafitr  nid)t  glcid)  bebanft; 
@o  foil  meine  QUKQC  nerbicnen 
^eriff'n  31:  tnerbcn,  nm  3U  fii^nen." 
» 

166 


RABBI  AMNON  AND  THE  "UNETHANE  TOKEF. 

Thus  he  delayed — the  Prince  impatient  grew, 

And  fiercely  ordered  him  brought  to  his  view, 

Amnon,  stubbornly,  refusing  to  come, 

In  chains  he  was  brought,  by  force  overcome; 

"Thou'rt  guilty  of  insubordination," 

The  Prince  roared  at  him  in  indigation. 

"I  pray  thee,  my  Lord,"  the  Rabbi  replied, 
"I  know  my  duty,  therein  I  take  pride, 
And  'tis  through  no  presumption  on  my  part. 
But  for  the  faith  I  love  with  all  my  heart, 
A  Jew  I  was  born,  a  Jew  I'll  remain, 
For  my  faith  I'll  live,  for  my  faith  be  slain!" 

The  Prince  with  rage  was  foaming  at  the  mouth, 
"What  care  I  for  thy  faith,"  he  blurted  out, 
"Thou  hast  offended  me  from  first  to  last, 
'Gainst  my  authority   thou   hast   trespassed, 
It  will  cost  thee  dearly,  O,  Israelite! 
I'll  make  thee  pay  for  this,  now  in  my  sight." 

"The  verdict  thou  hast  rendered  is  most  just, 

And  to  suffer  as  I  deserve,  I  must, 

For  to  consider  this,  I  asked  thee  time, 

Not  to  have  refused  at  once,  was  my  crime, 

My  tongue  from  its  roots  should  therefore  be  torn, 

And  thus  for  my  great  sin  I  will  atone." 


167 


5Rab&i  3lmnon  itnb  bcr  Undone  £ofcf. 

,,Um  beine  giifee  id)  bid)  bringe! 

$ie  fid)  toiberfefct,  nidjt  bie  gunge." 

9Jad)  biefem  ©efrrad)  fie  bort  gefiiljrt 

2Burben  feine  giifee  amputiert 

Unb  in  bief'm  guftanb  fitfjrt  man  tfjn  fyeim 

Qu  feiner  gamili'  in  @d)mer{$en§  — 


—  £age»  am  2)?orgen 
©ie  Igitb'n  berfe^t  in  ©d^redt  unb  ©orgen, 
fiiefeen  auf  ben  SStinfd)  be3  (Sterbenben 
@ein  ^or^er  auf  bie  33afyre  hjenben 
Unb  t)or  bie  Sabe  ©otte§  geftettt 
2Bo  er  SSorte  su  STIImadjt 


!D?it  bem  Xobe  3la&bi  Stmnon  rang, 
SDie  Stugen  aCer  auf  ifyn  3U  brang 
€b  er  SebenSjeidjen  in  fid)  f)at. 
®abufd)a  man  fagen  t^at. 
Ijorte  bon  i^m,  gu  ©ott  bertraut 
,,llnfane  Xofef"  fpred^en  laut. 


biefe§  mar  je^t  fein  Iefete§  SBort 

nur  er  aEein  ift  unfer  @ott!" 
^aud^te  je^t  feine  (Seele  au§, 
ein  2^artt)rer  in  @otte§  §au§! 
llm  biefen  gall  git  toeretoigen 
©djalten  ftiir'S  unter  ben  Uebrigen. 

168 


RABBI  AMNON  AND  THE  "UNETHANE  TOKEF. 

"Thy  feet  I'll  destroy,  that  dared  disobey, 

Not  with  thy  tongue,  but  thy  feet  wilt  thou  pay"; 

This  said — with  cruelty  deliberate, 

The  Rabbi's  feet  he  caused  to  amputate, 

And  in  that  state,  with  grim  benevolence, 

Had  him  brought  home  in  agony  intense. 

On  the  day  thereafter,  the  New  Year's  day, 
The  Jews,  all  downcast  in  fear  and  dismay, 
Cherished  the  wish  the  dying  man  expressed, 
Brought  him  to  Synagogue  at  his  request; 
On  a  couch  which  close  to  the  Ark  they  pressed, 
Where  the  dying  man  the  Almighty  blessed. 

At  Rabbi  Amnon,  who  \frestled  with  death, 
The  congregation  gazed  with  bated  breath, 
Eager  to  know  if  he  was  still  alive, 
The  time  for  ' '  Musaf-Kadusha "  did  arrive, 
All  were  thrilled  to  hear  him  to  God  outpour 
His  soul — "Un  'thane   Tokef, "   evermore. 

His  last  word  was  this  harmony  Divine, 

That  will  thrill  mankind  to  the  end  of  time, 

With  these  grand  words  his  soul  to  heaven  soared, 

A  martyr  he  died  in  the  house  of  God; 

Thus  his  glorious  death's  immortalized, 

By  his  sublime  prayer,  by  us  the  most  prized. 


169 


Submit  imb 


®obom  imb  ©omora  ifjre  Sitten 
SHirb  im  Jahmtb  fdjon  gefdjilbert, 

Too  fie  bic  (^renjeii  lucit  itberidjritten 
Unb  iraren  mefjr  al§  uernnlbcrt. 

2ie  Imtteit  mol)l  cind)  O-cfe^c  im  Snub 
?llu'r  lucljc  eiitcit  g-rcmben, 

ic  I'atU'  ncrfc^tc  in  ben  Stnub 
Tortliin  iicratl)cn  ,^u  mcrbcn. 


<Sie  fatten  sum  33eifpicl  cine  ^riidfc 

iibcr  cincu  TvInB  anflcbradjt 
SBo  ci:t  S^embcr  fclbft  fiir  fcinc 

311  gcrfjrn,  il;n  bebnd)t. 


tDoIItc  fo  etn 
®tefe  23riidfe  bort  paffteren, 
@ic  oerlangten  bier  £fyaler,  bic 
Unb  tljaten  ifjn 


S)cr  SSafd^er  betfjeu'rt  Bet  feinem  Seben, 
S)a§  er  ba§  ©elb  nid)t  fiat  in  boar 

(Jr  luiirbe  fd)rt)immenb  fid)  Ijin  begcbcu 
Unb  fid)  au§fe§en  bem 


170 


SODOM  AND  GOMORAH. 


Sodom  and  Gomorah's  infamous  ways, 

By  the  Talmud  is  held  up  to  shame, 
Their  vile  deeds  and  morals  shock  and  amaze, 

Humanity  itself  they  defame! 

By  certain  barbarous  laws  they  governed  that  land. 

And  woe  unto  the  stranger  who  dared 
Their  grim  hospitality  to  command, 

He  seldom  lived  to  tell  how  he  fared. 

For  instance,  a  certain  bridge  they  possessed, 
Built  o'er  one  of  their  busiest  streams, 

By  means -of  which  the  stranger  was  oppressed, 
By  tolls  in  excess  of  his  wildest  dreams. 

One  day  a  certain  washer  was  compelled 
To  pass  o'er  that  bridge  of  ill  repute, 

His  attempts  to  cross  were  harshly  repelled, 
Unless  four  dollars  he  would  contribute. 

The  washer  solemnly  swore  by  his  life, 

That  he  did  not  have  that  money  with  him, 

But  he  would  swim  across  to  avoid  strife, 
No  matter  how  dangerous  'twas  to  swim. 


171 


Sobont  itnb  ©otnorn. 


,,28enn  bit  nun  ba§  SBaffer  paffieren 
SDiufct  bit  ba§  bo^elf  bejafjlen 

11  nb  toenn  bit  Derfudjeft,  itnb  bid)  nid)t  ftiflft 
28ir  bid)  mit  beinem  93Iut  malen." 

Hub  ba  bcr  2Btijd)er  ba§  ©elb  nid)t  I)iit(iab 

SSer^auten  fie  il)tn  ba§  @e|id^t 
@o  ba§  fein  33Iut  ifjm  gefloffen  Ijerab 

Hub  berflagten  i(;n  nod)  beim  ©erid)t. 


9tid)ter  brad)te  fobann  ba§  Urtfyfcil: 
,,33eaQj)I  bem  ©d^Iiiger  fitr'S  @d)Iagen 

aud)  fiir  e§  93IutIaffcn  allelDeil. 
Unb  od)t  X^Qler  fiir  e§  SBagen"; 


@o  fjeifet  e§  benn  oud)  bo§  ©liefer 
2lbrafyam§  treu  itnb  gitte  5>ned)t 

28ar  einft  ^ingerat^en,  al§  Srlofer, 
Unb  erfuijr  aitd)  baSfelbe 


(£in  ©teinlDurf  begriifete  ©liefer, 
®er  tljm  nid)t  menig  93Iut  bergofe; 

Gr  fam  sum  Stidjter  itnb  flagt  ben  SWorber, 
©elbe§  Urtljeil  toar  Qitd^  fein  So§. 


172 


SODOM  AND  GOMORAH. 


"If  by  swimming  you  wish  to  get  across, 
A  double  fare  we  will  make  you  pay, 

And  if  you'll  make  any  attempt  by  force, 
Thy  skin  from  thy  body  we  will  flay." 

As  the  washer  the  money  did  not  give, 
The  skin  from  his  face  the  villians  tore, 

From  the  loss  of  blood  he  could  barely  live, 
They  brought  him  to  the  Judge  all  in  gore. 

The  Judge  by  his  sentence  was  abetting, 

The  criminal  acts  of  the  rabble. 
He  sentenced  him  to  pay  for  blood  letting, 

And  eight  dollars  for  causing  trouble. 

Of  Elazar,   too,  it  is  related,— 

Of  Abraham's  true  and  faithful  slave, — 

When  there  his  friend  he  had  liberated, 
Such  treatment  to  him  they  also  gave. 

Klaxar  was  greeted  there  with  a  stone, 

That  struck  him  and  caused  his  blood  to  flow. 

When  his  complaint  to  the  Judge  he  made  known, 
The  same  verdict  the  Judge  let  him  know. 


173 


(Sobom  unb  ©omoro. 


o  nofym  barm  (^liefer  einen  (Stein 
Unb  fdjlitg  bem  9?td)ter  auf§  @efid)t, 
iiut  be3aljle  mir  flit's  SBIutlaffen  fein, 
id)  and)  tl)at  mcinc 


©liefer  aeidntete  fid)  jonft  au§> 
93et  cincr  ItcberborfFicilnnn, 

£a  er  iljnen  getoogcn  luar  burrfjauS 
2^nrd)   feinc  roi^ige 


^emanb  Hon  bcncn  fid)  einen 
3n  cincr  ^>od)3cit§taf'I  cinlnb 
VJcgtcn  fie  ben  ^inintiercr  3iir  i^aft, 
Unb  nalinuMi  ifjtn  ab  9tod  unb  ,s?ut. 


(Hieier  ber  fo  fcfjr  ^ungrifl 
Unb  fid)  sur  .t>od)3eit§taf'I  gefellt, 

"?U§  beim  ^ifd)  bann  cineu  ber  Wiiftcnfdinar 
xxsl)n  dcfragt:  ,,^er  ilni  benn  (icftcflt?" 

©liefer  ilnn  leife  antiuortet: 
,,2)u  felbft  umrft  ja  bcrjenifle!" 

Icr  9^ann  eilte  T)inau§  unb  berbnftet, 
®Q§  ni^t  crfaljrcn  bic  Ucbrigc. 


174 


SODOM  AND  GOMORAH. 


Elazar,  too,  took  a  stone, — quick  he  learned,—- 

And  threw  it  squarely  at  the  Judge's  face, 
"Pay  me  what  for  blood-letting  I  have  earned, 

As  I  have  attended  to  your  case." 

/ 
Elazar  outwitted  them  all, 

And  neatly  the  tables  on  them  turned, 
Many  mishaps  he  caused  them  to  befall, 

That  he  was  wiser,  they  sadly  learned. 

If  one  had  temerity  to  invite, 

A  guest  to  come  to  his  wedding-feast, 

He  found  himself  in  a  very  sad  plight, 
To  forfeit  coat  and  hat  was  the  least. 

Elazar,  hungered,  saw  a  table  set 
At  a  wedding-feast, — he  joined  the  crowd, 

Whilst  at  the  full  table  he  sat  and  ate, 

One  asked :  ' '  To  invite  you,  who  wras  allowed  ? ' 

Thereupon  Ela/ar  softly  replied  : 

"You  invited  me!  Don't  you  recall?" 

The  man  started  as  if  stung, — sought  to  hide, 
Lest  he  would  lost  his  coat  and  hat  and  all, 


175 


Sobom  unb 


@o  macrjte  er  e§  mit  often  ©often, 
23i§  er  bann  oftein  geblieben  ; 

9IJ3  bon  often  ©peifen  after  beften 
Unb  fMt  fid^  ben  2ftagen  briiben. 

@o  fatten  fie  aucrj  bort  fonft  oncjebrad^t 
Sine  @rf)Iafftatte  fiir  Seute 
93etten  auSgeftattet  eine  ^Srarfjt 
biente  itjnen  gitr  93eute. 


©ie  lorften  Slrme  in  jener 
Km  311  iiben  i^re  33o§^ett, 

2Bar  e§  bod)  nur  eine  Uftorberfyalle 
Unb  finbet  mefir  feine  ©leicrjrjett. 

®o  njerben  beaeicijnet  if)re'  Sitten, 
®er  ?lrme  ftiarb  ouf'S  93€tt  gelegt 

fatten  bie  giifee  ifyn  jugfcf)nitten, 
9Benn  longer  dom  Sett  abgefegt. 


SBaren  feine  giifee  fiiraer  jebodq 
3ogen  fie  i^m  bie  33eine  QU§ 

Unb  fo  ftarb  er  unter  bie  Oualen  notf) 
Unb  fe^ten  if)n  erft  bann  Fn'ncmS. 


176 


SODOM  AND  GOMORAH. 


This  clever  trick  he  played  on  every  guest, 

Till  in  that  room  alone  he  remained, 
He  ate  of  the  viands  all  the  very  best, 

And  the  best  of  wines,  himself  he  drained. 

These  monsters  of  iniquity  devised, 

Sleeping  apartments  where  strangers  were  lured, 
The  beds  therein  by  them  were  utilized, 

For  bloody  objects — victims  were  allured. 

Yea!  Poor  innocent  victims  there  they  snared, 

On  whom  they  could  vent  their  murderous  spleen, 

Their  diabolic  plans  were  all  prepared, 
For  the  vilest  act  that  was  ever  seen. 

Thus  is  that  act  described  in  ancient  lore, 
The  poor  victim  upon  the  bed  was  put, 

If  the  bed  was  short  and  his  feet  hung  o'er, 

They  hacked  them  and  cut  them  to  make  them  suit. 

And  if  his  feet  were  shorter  than  the  bed, 
They  stretched  his  limbs  most  unmercifully, 

Thus  they  tortured  him  until  he  was  dead, 
And  freed  from  their  grim  hospitality. 


177 


<2obom  itnb  Winnurn. 

ein  Pettier  Don  ifyncn  23rot  berlangt 
ffleidjten  fie  ifjm  bann  ein  ©olbftiicf 
llnb  auf  ber  Wlim$e,  ber  iljm  fie  erlangt. 
©dfyrieb  feinen  9?amcn  4nit  ©efdjiicf 

©omit  Fjatte  ber  2lrme  (Mb  itnb  (Mb 
2[IIe§  boll  nur  fein  ©titrfrfjen  33rob, 

CJr  6ilbete  i^nen  ein  ©rf)cntfpiel§ljelb 
Unb  ^lingers  fd)mad)tcnb  blieb  er  tobt! 

©o  na^m  ein  J^eber  fein  (^elb  ttncber 

llnb  liefeen  i^n  itnbegraben 
£)ber  fie  jerfd^mitten  ilin  in  Olieber 

llnb  mit  feinern  33htt  fid^  laben. 

Ginft  erlaitbte  fid)  ein  fleine§  ^dbdjen, 

S)ie  mit  bem  ®rng  jnm  Srnnnen  gieng 
§altcnb  ein  ©titcf  93rob  in  i^rem  ^ 
311  reidien  einem  ^tingling. 


®iefe§  t^at  erblicfen  jene  33anbe 
@ic  ergriffen  je^t  bo§  2)?abd)en 

(Jntfleiben  fie  gang  nnft  ofyne  ©c^anbe 
90Ht  ^onig  befc^miert  ifyr  Seibdjen. 


S)ann  ftiarfen  fie  bie  am  SDadje 
SSo  fie  bie  33ienen  umgabcn 

SSarb  t>on  ben  Sienen  bergiftet  barauf 
llnb  liefeen  fie  unbegrabcn. 

178 


SODOM  AND  GOMOBAH. 

Woe  to  the  beggar  who  asked  them  for  bread! 

With  malicious  cunning  they  gave  him  gold, 
With  donor's  name  thereon — thus  they  misled 

The  poor  victim  who  had  all  he  could  hold! 

He  had  much  gold,  but  of  bread  not  a  bite! 

Not  a  morsel  would  any  even  sell, 
And  with  fiendish  glee  they  watched  the  sight, 

Of  the  man  starving  as  tortured  in  hell ! 

And  when  he  was  dead,  his  gold  each  took  back, 
And  left  his  body  rot  upon  the  ground, 

Or  else  the  corpse  they'd  mutilate  and  hack, 
And  in  his  blood  the  best  enjoyment  found! 

Once  a  little  girl  innocent  and  true, 
Who  with  her  pitcher  to  the  well  did  go, 

Gave  the  bread  she  had  to  a  lad  she  knew, 
Was  suffering  hunger, — his  face  did  show. 

Her  deed  seen  by  the  fiends  incarnate, 

They  seized  her  more  fiercely  than  a  brute, 

And  disrobed  her — that  race  degenerate — 

And  smeared  her  with  honey  from  head  to  foot. 

The  naked  girl  upon  the  roof  they  placed, 

Where  all  the  bees  were  wont  to  congregate,    . 

Stung  by  them  to  death,  through  the  honey's  taste, 
There  she  laid — uninterred — an  awful  fate! 

179 


ftnbbi  (Simon  ^cinnfet,  bcr  fromm  unb  geleljrt, 
Sitrft  iiber  ^cljuba,  tear  befonber§  bereljrt, 
28ar  bcr  SSatcr  bc§  SJ?.  $afobofd)  ante  ©ofjn; 
3Sirb  t»on  fcincr  ©rb'fec  ci^aOIt  im  £almub  frfjon, 
Ta§  cr  im  Sof)re  3851.  nad)  ber  3d^n^fiing  gclcbt 
Unb  ba§  SBoOI  bcr  ^ubcn  immcr  311  angcftrebt. 


bcr 

Grtljcilte  fon[t  ben  33efeI)I  o^nc  ?lu§naljmc 
Jvitr  ben  l^iibcn  bie  93efd)neibung  311  berbicten, 
^ortc  e§  fallen  and)  Jftabbi  ©imon  I)iiten; 
Hub  bn  sur  3^t  i^tn  etn  ©ot)n  gcborcn  n^arb 
6r'§  getoagt,  unb  iF»n  bod)  bcfd)nittcn  eincr  5frt. 

9J?an  jeigte  bcm  ®6nig  on  bie  93egcbcnr)eit 
Sc§  fo  grofeen  9labbi  @imon§  5>crmejfenf)eit. 
£er  ^onig  ^abrian  jebod^  fein  ©laub'n  [d^enfte 
S)er  SSerleumbung,  ba  er  ftet0  25crtrauen  lenftc 
^n  bem  jiibifdjen  frommen  nub  gutcn  5iirfien, 
Sa§  er  fein  @efe^  nid)t  mirb  bred)cn  unb  Itften. 


©er  ®6nig  fd^iicfte  tf)m  bann  eine  SSorlabung 
Unb  befragt  i^m  luegen  biefer  93efd^neibung  : 
,,@oll  id^  e§  bon  bir,  al§  mein  Streuer,  glauben  red^t, 
Su,  al§  etn  t>ertrauenbolle§  2)ienergefcf)Ied)t 
©ottteft  geiDagt  fjab'n  mein  @efe§  ju  berle^en? 
Unb  ber  fdjrecflid)  grofeen  ©efa^r  bid) 


180 


RABENU  HAKODOSH. 

Eabbi  Simon  Hanasi,  both  pious  and  learned, 

Honored  prince  of  Judah,  the  love  of  all  he  earned; 

He  was  the  father  of  Rabenu  Hakodosh, 

Whose  great  and  holy  soul  shone  through  the  very  flesh; 

Born  in  thirty-eight  fifty-one  from  creation, 

He  lived  for  naught  else  but  the  good  of  his  nation. 

When  cruel  King  Hadrian,  whose  mem'ry  is  accursed, 

Issued  his  infamous  edict,  the  very  worst, 

Forbidding  every  Jew  to  circumcise  his  son, 

It  included  Rabbi  Simon  with  every  one; 

Still  when  at  that  time,  his  son's  birth  was  realized, 

Without  hesitation  he  had  him  circumcised. 

The  King,  by  vile  informers,  was  at  once  apprized, 
That  Rabbi  Simon's  son  had  just  been  circumcised, 
But  the  tyranic  King,  this  tale  could  scarce  believe, 
For  trusting  the  Jewish  prince,  he  could  not  conceive, 
That  he  would  break  his  law,  who  all  his  laws  obeyed, 
Who,  as  subject  of  the  King,  loyalty  displayed. 

The  Rabbi  was  called  to  the  King  without  delay, 
And  concerning  this  tale,  asked  what  he  had  to  say ; 
"I  would  not  credit  this  tale,  the  king  softly  said, 
For  as  my  loyal  servant,  thou  didst  always  dread 
To  disobey  my  commandment,  whate'er  it  be, 
And  incur  my  displeasure  and  its  penalty." 


181 


ffinfccnu 


,,3a,  e§  entfpridjt  ber  SBaljrfjeit,  £>  ®b'nig  unb  $err! 
£>btt)of)l  beinc  ©efefce  jinb  mir  feljr  teuer, 
Sebod)  bie  be3  allerfjodjften  ^o'nigjS  unb  £ort 
©inb  mir  bod)  teurer  al§>  bcin  @ebot  immer  fort. 
§atte  id)  bir  border  Xreiie  augefdjtuoren? 

^  aud)  ofien  Bei  @ott  nid^t  [ein  berloren!" 


SBefenntmfj  erfd^ricft  bcfonber§  ben  Slonig, 
S)a  er  ben  9tabbi  (Simon  fonnte  nidqt  icenig, 
©omit  gloubte  er  jeiner  3hi§fagc  faum 
Unb  macf)te  feinem  fo  jtrengen  SefeI)Ie  SRaum: 
S)a§  bie  Gutter  fammt  bem  ^inbe  in  9tom  erfdjeine 
SDamit  er  fic^  offen  iibergeugt  atteine 


Simon»  ernftfjafte  ©attin,  ber  grommen 
2Bnr  bie  ungiinftige  9Zad)rid)t  iintuillfommen, 
S)er  90?enfd),  bcr  jebod)  nitr  auf  ©ott  allcin  bcrtraut, 
©er  I)ot  nad)  alien  9iid)tungcit  gut  gebaut! 
3)ie  ?yran  iui()in  ifjr  ad)ttiigigcy  .Qinb  iin  ©ramrne 
5fnf  il)r  5trm,  unb  jog  nad)  iHom,  bie  ®er)orfamc. 

llnter  faiferlidje  33ctuad)ung  Begleitet, 

@o  fie  iljre  9ieife  fortfe^et  unb  leitet, 

(£3  bunfelt,  unb  bie  3onne  fid)  sum  ©d)eibcn  mac^t, 

<£§>  ift  aud^  eingetreten  bie  finftere 

@o  rt)ar  bann  gc^tDitngen  ba§  reifenbe 

©idg  irgenb  cine  ^erberg  auMiiindjcii  rcrfjt. 


182 


RABENU  HAKODOSH. 

;'0  Royal  Majesty!  Thy  words  are  very  true! 
Thy  commandments  are  dear  to  me  and  I  would  rue 
The  day  I  transgressed — but  there  is  a  greater  king, 
The  Sovereign  of  the  Universe,  to  whom  I  cling, 
Whose  commandments  are  far  dearer  to  me  than  thine, 
Thee,  now  to  obey,  is  to  incur  wrath  Divine." 

The  Rabbi's  admission  filled  the  king  with  dismay, 
For  he  knew  the  pious  man  only  truth  would  say, 
Still  he  would  not  believe  until  himself  he'd  see, 
And  his  ear's  evidence  with  his  eyes  would  agree; 
The  mother  and  child,  in  Rome,  at  once  must  appear, 
And  this  peculiar  story  to  him  must  be  clear. 

Rabbi  Simon's  wife  heard  the  summons  with  dismay, 
But  what  else  could  she  do  than  straightway  to  obey, 
But  they  who  trust  in  God  can  ever  rest  content, 
That  all  will  be  well,  and  there'll  be  naught  to  repent, 
She  therefore  calmly  took  her  child  of  eight  days  old, 
And  quickly  sped  to  Rome  to  do  as  she  was  told. 

With  a  Royal  escort  who  acted  as  her  guard, 

She  traveled,  yet  was  she  treated  with  due  regard, 

When  the  day  was  done  and  the  sun  sank  in  the  west, 

The  party  of  travelers  sought  for  a  place  to  rest, 

For  no  further  could  they  travel  as  'twas  dark  night, 

There  they  were  compeled  to  remain  until  daylight. 


IS'.} 


3)er  Bufall  toollte  e§  cmcf)  fjaben  jefct, 
3)a§  fie  bort  ein  £au§  cmcf)  fanben 
S)ie  £>ausfrau  gebar  ein  ®nablein,  oben 
3>e§felben   StlterS,  jur  SBelt  gegeben. 
em^fing  bie  5Ingefommene  ftiorm 
il)rem  fyiibfdqen  Slinbd^en  an  i()t  2Trm. 


SBafjtenb  @ei>rii(^  unb  SJohtment  lefcn 

33e!Iagt  bie  9?eifenbe  ifjr  Seibtoefen: 

,,©ic  fii^re  ba§  £)pfer  31:  ^abrian; 

5Da  ein  SSerratl)  liege  bet  bem  £t)ran; 

STI§  iiibifcfje  £ocf)ter  gegen  3Serbot 

^d)  mein  ®inb  befdjnitt,  fo  mid)  bro5|t  ber  Xobt!" 

,,sSebauern§rt)ert^  bein  UngliidE  unb  <Sd)iffaI 
®u  fremme,  gute  Stodgier  in  Sfra'I! 
SBill  bic^  bom  2obe  retlen  unb  toenben: 
Scf)  gib  bir  iiber  mein  ®tnb  in  §dnben, 
Unb  fo  ber  ®6nig  e§  unbefdcjnitt'n  fie^t 
23ift  bit  iinfdrjulbig,  unb  fiegreidg  bemiifyt. 

^einen  S)an!,  feinen  Sob  unb  feinen  Sofjn 
(Sottte  mir  bon  bir  erlDieberi  fein  fd^on, 
toann  id^  mein  Slinb  ersogen,  fo  biel: 
ben  beinen  fcerbriiberft  im  ©efii^I. 
bafjer  frf)HeIIc  mein  eingigeS  ^inb 
llnb  ge^e  im  Seamen  @otte§  gefdgtoinb!" 


184 


RABENU  HAKODOSH. 

Now  it  happened  in  a  most  providential  way, 

That  the  lady  of  the  house  where  they  went  to  stay, 

Had  also  given  birth,  just  a  few  days  ago, 

To  a  male  child,  and  this  the  Rabbi's  wife  did  know, 

For  she  had  been  received  by  her  with  greetings  warm, 

Carrying  her  new-born  babe  fondly  on  her  arm. 

In  the  friendly  conversation  held  by  the  twain, 

The  fair  traveler,  bitter  tears  could  not  restrain, 

When  she  told  her  good  hostess  whither  she  was  bound, 

To  appear  before  Hadrian,  that  bloody  hound, 

And  show  him  her  babe  circumcised  against  his  law, 

Throwing  herself  and  child  in  his  ferocious  jaw. 

"How  sad  is  thy  fate,  how  greatly  to  be  deplored! 

0  pious  woman!     The  tyrant  should  be  abhorred; 

But  I  will  cheat  him !  Ye  shall  not  be  put  to  death, 

My  sweet  child  shall  save  your  lives  with  his  own  pure  breath ; 

Take  him  with  thee  instead  of  thine,  to  show  the  king — 

He's  uncircumcised,  hence  freedom  to  you  he'll  bring. 

Nay!    Thank  me  not!    I  want  neither  thanks  nor  reward, 
Tis  only  for  one  thing  I  pray  have  regard, 
When  I  will  have  raised  my  son  to  manhood's  estate, 
And  you  thine,  let  them  be  friends  ne'er  to  separate; 
Now  take  my  darling  son,  my  only  one — make  haste! 
And  go  in  God's  name,  thou  hast  no  time  to  waste!" 


185 


311  9tom  fie  jefct  angelcmgt, 
2)er  86nig  gefpannt  unb  allel  geprangt 
9(uf  bte  CiTinicbcrung  ber  ^sitbcnfrau 
SBie  )ie  fid)  tuirb  dert^eibigen  genau. 
,,(frbarmen!  niter  gnabigfter  ^onig 
©ie  ^lage  i[t  fa(fd)  unb  frfjulbe  luenig!" 

Sic  entbloft  bo§  ^inb,  e§  inar  un&efdjnitt'n, 
.^abriait  crftount  iiber  ^siraelitt'n! 
2)er  ^onig  frfjeufte  i^r  and)  ba§  Seben 
Unb  scg  ^eim  mit  Ok-frfjenfc  bnneben. 
Tcv  JRiirftueg'S  3itr  JHetterin  fie  einfe^rt 
Unb  unenblidje  greub'  I)at  Inng'  geiua^rt. 

Skibe  5?inber  tourben  erjogen  nad)f)er 

in  9?ang  grojs  geiuorb'n  imgciciljr, 
ein'  jiibifdje  in  profanen  ye^r'n, 

int  Jalinub  al3  ein  leudjtenber  Stern 
Wenannt  ,,^uba,  ober  .^eilig'r  ^ef)rer" 
Unb  gilt  bcr  9iad)trelt  af§  ©efe^geber. 


nid)t  iiibifdje  ^nabe,  befannt, 
SIntontnuS  ber  Srode  genannt; 
^at  fo  tocit  fid)  empor  getfjan  bnnn, 

er  gar  ben  9fomifd)en  2^ron  getoann. 
©ie  beiben  lyabcn  [jannonifd)  gelebt, 

ber  3Kenfd)'n  angeftrebt. 


18G 


RABENU  HAKODOSH. 

At  last  her  journey's  done,  the  court  of  Rome  she  reached, 

All  eagerly  await  the  plea  of  the  impeached, 

Wonders !    To  that  grave  charge  what  answer  could  she  make  ? 

How  exonerate  herself?     Her  life  was  at  stake! 

"Oh  gracious  Majesty,  listen  to  my  defense, 

The  charge  'gainst  me  is  false,  I  '11  prove  my  innocence. ' ' 

She  bared  the  babe,  the  king  saw,  'twas  uncircumcised, 

The  royal  tyrant  gazed,  was  nonplused  and  surprised, 

The  king  dismissed  the  charge  'gainst  her,  she  saved  her  life, 

Homeward  bound,  laden  with  gifts,  sped  the  happy  wife, 

Stopping  on  her  way  at  that  noble  woman's  home, 

By  her  who  saved  her  life  when  she  was  bound  for  Rome. 

Both  children  by  their  mothers  tenderly  were  raised, 
Highly  cultured  in  all  knowledge,  by  all  were  praised, 
One,  a  perfect  Jewish  education  received, 
The  greatest  light  on  oral  law  by  all  believed, 
He  was  called  "Rabbi  Judah,"  our  holy  Rabbi, 
Next  to  Moses,  in  Israel,  he  ranks  very  high. 

The  other,  proceeded  from  non-Jewish  descent, 

Was  known  as  Antoninus,  brave  and  excellent, 

Through  strenuous  endeavor,  great  did  he  become, 

From  a  simple  soldier  to  Emperor  of  Rome! 

And  these  two  firm  friends,  great  in  their  respective  ways, 

Were  the  world's  benefactors  to  the  end  of  their  days. 

187 


Ser  @ib  be3  SiwberS. 


3  lebte  fonft  311  gettriffer  3eit 
@in  Bungling,  ber  nur  gana  aHein 

Ungefjorfam  unb  in  Sofefjeit 
2luf  biefer  (Srbe  fd^ien  311  fein. 


SBeber  ©trafe  bon  bie  ©Item  @eit' 
9?od^  2ef)rer§  Budjt,  (Strafe  unb 

^onnte  feine  fd)Ied)te  ©elDo^n^ett 
Slbbringen,  unb  getoogen  fein. 

©ein  bofe§  33etragen  bradjt'S  fo  ioeit, 
®a§  feine  ©Item  obenbrein 
§  ©rammen,  SlergerntS  unb 
Xobe  getrieben  Ijinein. 


@elDtffen§biifee  marterten  iljn 
©einec  GItern=3W6rber  311  fein 

2BoHt'  er  bereuen,  unb  eilte  Ijin 
(3df)rcienb  3itm  Srnbe  au§  unb  ein! 


SSom  @rabe  ertonte  fein  3KitIeib, 
£a,  biel  3U  fpat  fiir  e§  Slinbletn  ! 

@r  trdgt  jefct  bie  SBeranttuortlicijfeit 
Unb  bie  ©djulb  nur  feine  attein. 


188 


THE  SINNER'S  VOW. 


Once  upon  a  time  there  lived  a  youth, 
Who  seemed  to  have  no  parallel, 

For  disobedience  and  untruth, 

And  wickedness  that  naught  could  quell. 

All  punishment  was  of  no  avail, 

Nor  parents  nor  teachers  could  wean 

Him  from  his  bad  habits,  or  quail 
The  most  stubborn  spirit  e'er  seen. 

He  carried  his  evil  course  so  far, 
That  his  parents  at  last  succumbed, 

To  the  disgrace  that  their  lives  did  mar, 
For  the  blood  in  their  hearts  it  numbed. 

His  parents  dead,— conscience  'gan  to  live, 

And  to  accuse  as  parricide, 
The  son  wrho  too  late  sought  to  retrieve 

The  actions  that  broke  his  parents'  pride. 

Remorse  tortured  him  unbearably, 
His  parent's  blood  was  on  his  head, 

From  this  torment  wishing  to  be  free, 
Lamenting  to  the  grave  he  fled. 


189 


Xrr  (?ib  bc3  SiinbcrS. 


<3id)  311  beffcrn  ift  cr  jefet  bcrcit 

Wicng  511  eincn  ©celenarst  f)in, 
Tcr  ol§  9?obbi  niit  boiler 
vine  SJufec  311  ocb'n 


2)ciu  iBcrbredjcn  iiber  bctt 

^crniotj  ninimer  ocfiif)nt  311  fciu 
35>ar  nun  bc§  frommen  9?a6bi 

Itnb  gcncrtoM  bo§  ItrtFjcil 


c§  baS  ®'cfc(j  bcu 
©o  crforbcri  im  aUgemein 
)tteiben  ntcinc  5cbcn§3cit 
Hnff  id)  ftcrbcn  unb  bort  fein  rein. 


Tcr  JHabbt  fpridjt  on§  fctneu  93efd)eib: 
,,9^ein  @o^n!  bergage  bu  nidjt  netn! 

6§  erttmrtet  bid)  bort  ©eeligfeit 
SSo  affe  grommen  [id)  [on[t  rei^'n. 


9iur  bon  biefer  SBelt  bi|t  bit 

©ie  gefjort  oud)  nimmer  me^r  ®ein, 
©efii^nt  bon  (Siinb'n  bu  fd|eibeft  bereit 

^n'§  beffere  Sen|eit§  T)inein." 


190 


THE  SINNER'S  VOW. 


The  grave  could  not  respond  nor  console 
The  child  who  too  late  did  repent, 

The  burden  of  guilt  was  on  his  soul, 
And  haunted  him  where'er  he  went. 

To  atone  was  now  his  only  thought, 
He  went  to  him  who  souls  could  heal, 

'Twas  ,the  Rabbi's  advice  now  he  sought, 
And  heard  his  words  with  greatest  zeal. 

"Thy  sin  most  heinous  has  passed  all  bounds, 
For  which  atonement  could  be  made, 

For  forgiveness  I  can  find  no  grounds, 
With  death  by  fire  must  thou  be  paid." 

To  the  Rabbi's  words  the  youth  replied, 

"If  the  Holy  Law  this  require, 
By  its  decision  I  will  abide, 

And  to  atone  I  will  expire." 

After  the  Rabbi  his  verdict  gave, 

He  said:  "My  son,  shrink  not  from  this! 

For  joy  will  be  thine  beyond  the  grave, 
With  the  just  in  eternal  bliss. 


191 


Xcr  6tb  be3  Siinbcre. 


9?un  hmrbe  bem  Bungling  angegeigt, 
2)a§  tljm  je(jt  fein  Iefcte§  ©tiinblein 
0ennF)t,  imb  firf)  finite  fe[t  gencigt 

311  blicf'n  in§  5lugenfcf)etn. 


Ginen  @org  trie  aitd)  ein  toeifeeS 

9Wit  aHen  3ertnonien  brein 
^n  einem  Sinmier  mtt  ginfterfeit 
bielen  brennenben  53id^tlein 


bann  ber  9taB6t  in  ©id^er^eit 

©inge  piinftlicf)  einrci^'n, 
SSinft  i^m,  sum  ©arge  511  fein  bereit 
?htfgeba^rt  ficfy  31:  leg'n  ^inetn. 


Slugen  berbunben  sur  felb'n 
Unb  fiebenbeS  Slei  gum  SSorfdfjetn 
33efaljl,  i^n  311  offnen  ben  ©cfylunb  toeit, 
®amit  cr  frf)nell  bcrbrennt  mag  fein. 


ber  9fabbi  anber§  gemeint: 
©ofe  iljm  ein  Soffel  §onig  fein 
SInftatt  be§  fiebenben  Slei'S  bereint 
Itnb  mit  ber  ©trafe  ^»at'§  gemein. 


192 


THE  SINNER'S  VOW. 


But  to  this  world  tho^  must  bid  farewell! 

Nevermore  is  this  earth  thy  sphere, 
Thy  past's  darkness  thou  wilt  thus  dispel, 

And  thy  sun  will  shine  bright  and  clear." 

The  youth  was  told  in  a  gentle  tone, 
That  now  had  come  his  final  hour, 

To  prepare  for  death  that  would  atone, 
And  nerve  himself  with  proper  power. 

A  coffin  and  snow-white  sheet  as  well 
With  death's  paraphernalia  grim, 

In  a  room  as  gloomy  as  a  cell, 

Where  the  candles  burned  sad  and  dim. 

All  these  the  Rabbi  prepared  with  care, 
Each  detail  most  carefully  planned, 

Showed  the  youth  the  coffin  that  was  there, 
To  lay  therein  gave  the  command. 

Thereupon  they  blind-folded  the  youth, 
Prepared  molten  lead,  ominous, 

Bade  him  open  his  mouth  wide  forsooth, 
That  death  be  instantaneous. 


193 


<$ib  be§ 


3)er  Seidjenfonbibat  toar  ©djeiniob, 
SSurbe  gebradjt  sum,  Seftwftfein, 

Sic  3ufd)auer  er  jefct  fragt:  ,,2ld)  ©ott! 
SSarum  mir  nirfjt  ben  £ob  berleify'n? 


S)er  9tabbi  i^m  tfjat  anfiinbigen; 

,,Se&en  foH  bit  nod)  fein  gegonnt" 
Unb  gab  i^m  D^eg'I,  nirfjt  311  fiinbigen 

Unb  bor  Unfatt  i^n  fdjii^en  !6nnt 

,,®n  joUft  nid^t  liigen!  fprtd)  bie 
SBirft  bu  niemal§  fiinben,  ncin; 

foftbar  ift  i^re  Grigenljeit 
Unb  bietet  ^>eil  im  aHgcmein." 


bofe  ©efeUfc^oft  er  einft  ttmrb 
SSerleitel  um  311  feljren  ein 
einem  $au§  too  mir  Softer  ^arrt, 
eine  ©timme  t^at  31:  fd^rei'n; 


38of)tn  Idufft  bu?    SBotjtn  bu  bereit?" 
,,^n  ba§  $au§  beg  Sa[ter§ 

U  liigen  er  bod)  gab  ben 
3og  ab,  unb  blieb  bcin  ©iinben  rein. 


bie  iBoS^eit  bid)  betfyoren, 
3u  toeid^en  don  ber  Stugenbba^n; 

^Utc  ®td),  auf  fie  3"  pren, 
Unb  ben!',  eS  fei  nur  ettler  2Sa&n. 


THE  SINNER'S  VOW. 

But  the  Rabbi  meant  not  what  he  said, 
And  down  his  throat  poured  honey  pure, 

Instead  of  the  dread  molten  lead, 
And  thus  he  paid  his  forfeiture; 

The  candidate  for  the  grave  did  faint, 

And  to  consciousness  was  restored, 
He  looked  and  said  with  mournful  plaint, 

"0!  Why  did  death  relief  afford?" 

The  Rabbi  soothed  the  sorrowful  lad, 
"Longer  life  has  been  granted  thee," 

And  taught  him  to  avoid  all  that's  bad, 
And  from  sin  to  make  himself  free. 

"Avoid  falsehood,  ever  speak  the  truth, 

Then  thou  wilt  never— never  sin, 
A  talisman   'gainst  evil  forsooth, 

And  all  salvation  lies  therein." 

Through  wicked  associates  misled, 

To  an  evil  house  he  was  lured, 
But  as  to  the  wicked  place  he  sped, 

By  a  stern  voice  he  was  adjured: 

"Whither  art  thou  bound?     Where  runnest  thou? 

To  that  vile  home  of  infamy? 
Never  to  lie,  he  now  made  a  vow, 

Left  the  place  and  from  sin  was  free. 

195 


£tc  rcidje  SWitgtft. 


GineS  frfjonen  <Sommeriagc3 

$ttt  auf  einent  @fel  gefpannt 
JRabbt  Sodjanan  9?en  enfe§ 
^erufalcm  narf)  bcm 


fcincn  3d)iircrn  bcgleitct 

er  fetnen  ?lu§flug  fort,     . 
cr  flo^Iid)  angebeutet: 
,$alt!  gum  ntorfjen  bet  eincmOrt 


bte  ^elber  nbgefd)ntttcit 

jvritd)te  fdjou  eingcfiilirt 

fein  ®ra£  mcl)r,  fcinc  93IiitI)cn 

fonft  I)citte  burd)tucg§  gc^iert. 


,  faf)Ie§  §elb  ganj  itnb  gar, 
ben  Slrabern  ange()5rt, 
®itt)e  einc  ©dinar, 
intr  <Sangen  Ijatteu 


llnlor  jiMU'it  ^Micron  iui 

Grbltrfeu  bte  2Hanber§=2euU' 
'  meiblid)  men|d)Iid)e  ©eftallt 
©ammclnb  ©angen,  fie  nidjt  fdjeitte. 


196 


THE  RICH  DOWRY. 


'Twas  a  beautiful  Summer  day, 
When  the  Rabbi,  famous  throughout, 

Rabbi  Jochanan  ben  Zacai, 
From  fair  Jerusalem  set  out. 

With  his  scholars  in  company, 
He  went  far  from  the  populace, 

To  farm  and  field,  where  all  is  free, 
But  halted  at  a  certain  place. 

Where  the  field  was  already  bare, 
For  its  fruit  was  all  harvested, 

No  grass  could  be  seen  anywhere, 
Of  flowers  'twas  all  divested. 

Of  all  denuded  was  the  field, 

By  wild  Arabians  possessed, 
Only  the  stubble  did  it  yield, 

As'  pasture  for  the  cows  at  rest. 

The  travelers  halted  for  they  saw 

Amongst  the  beasts  that  there  did  roam, 

Picking  corn  midst  stubble  and  straw, 
Something  human —  a  woman's  form! 


197 


$te  reidje  SWttgift. 


9Son  hunger  gequalt  unb  fdjmadjtenb 
3$re  Slugen  fie  jefct  erfyebt 

2luf  bcr  ©traffe  beobadjtenb 
9?eifenbe,  unb  balb  aufgele&t 


Unb  gieng  and)  311  bencn  oben: 
lni  $immeI§=SBiflen  unb  i 
©oDt  i^r  mir  cttoaS  $rob  geben!  " 


betrad)tctcn  fie 
2tHe  5Intt)efenbe  am  Ort. 
33efragt  bom  luitrbigeit  iHabbi 
SBeffen  £odjter  fie  bod)  fci  fort. 


33en  ©urianS 

einft  in  9leid)t^um  l)at  geiniiljlt 
Unb  ^eut  luie  tob  unb  2Serrod)ter, 
S)er  gar  9Zid)tS  befifct  unb  nidjt  fii^It." 


fommt  e§  benn  metn  ItebeB  ®tnb, 

bu  auf  einmal  berarmt  Bift 
©ieng  benn  alle§  fyin  mit  bem  SBinb 
SBarum  be§  SSat'rS  ©traf  fo  Ijart  ift?  " 


198 


THE  RICH  DOWRY. 


A  woman's  form  in  hunger's  clutch; 

Her  dark,  despairing  eyes  she  raised, 
They  soon  lit  up  with  brighter  touch, 

When  at  the  men's  kind  looks  she  gazed. 

Covering  her  face  modestly 

She  went  up  to  the  men  and  said, 

"For  God's  sake  and  humanity, 

Kind  Sirs,  give  me  a  piece  of  bread!" 

All  with  a  sympathetic  eye, 

Where  wonder  and  pity  blended, 

Regarded  her  whilst  the  Rabbi 

Asked  from  whom  she  was  descended. 

"Nakdimon  ben  Gorion's  daughter, 
Am  I,  in  riches  born  and  bred, 

See  to  what  poverty  brought  her, 
Better  far  if  long  she  was  dead!" 

"My  child  how  did  it  transpire, 

That  thou  to  poverty  hast  sunk, 
Where  is  the  fortune  of  thy  sire? 
What  was  his  sin  that  thus  it  shrunk?" 


199 


$te  retdje  9Kitgtft. 


SSater  ftmr  ein  reiser 
23efannt  im  gan^'n  Sftorgenlanbe 
28ar  freigiebig  311  @rf)Ied)t  unb 
mit 


mit  gutem,  bottem 
9leid)t'  er  ben  2Trmen  bie  ©a&e, 
@g  t^at  i^n  fonft  fo  fe^r  fd^mer^en, 
SIB  er'3  aufii^r'n  t^at  bem  (Srabe, 

llnb  barum  tljat  @ott  ber^ongcn 

tle&er  i^n  ein  fold)e§  ©d^'icffal 

Unb  iDoCt  i^m  Begegnenb  mcngen 

bemfelfien  So§  unb  ©rongfal. 


,,Unb  ba§  9tei(f)t^um  be§ 

gragte  je^t  ber  fromme 
,,Sft  er  unt'r  ber  ©trafe  ©otte§ 

3tucl)  geredfjnet  toorben  fo  fritf)  ?  " 


fein  ©elb  fam  in  S8erii^rung 
bem  ©elbe  meine§  3Sater§, 
SBarb  auSgefe^t  ber  SSer 
llnb  fein  ©djicffal  ein  fefjr 


200 


THE  RICH  DOWRY. 


"My  father  was  immensely  rich, 
And  famed  throughout  the  Orient, 

Was  lavish  to  the  highest  pitch, 
But  not  at  all  benevolent. 

Not  with  full  and  generous  heart, 
Did  he  give  his  alms  to  the  poor, 

Most  bitter  was  the  pain  and  smart 
That  charity  made  him  endure. 

Therefore  did  God  for  him  prescribe, 
A  taste  of  the  same  bitter  fate, 

Made  him  also  misfortune's  gibe, 
And  as  poor  as  once  he  was  great. " 

"And  thy  father  in  law's  rich  hoard?" 
Th'  illustrious  Rabbi  queried, 

"Did  the  punishment  of  the  Lord 
Cause  that  also  to  be  buried?" 

"His  money,  too,  in  contact  came, 
With  father's  in  transactions  great, 

Hence  that,  too,  went  to  grief  and  shame, 
And  suffered  the  same  bitter  fate." 


201 


te  retdje  3Kitgtft. 


£)er  Slabbi  erfjob  bie  ©timme 
3u  ben  ©rfjiilern  fid}  getoenbet: 

,,$etrad)tet  bie  grau  im  ©rimme! 
®ie  bor  mir  ba  [te^t  geblenbet. 


1>ie  I)ab  id)  bor  ^ia^ren  getraitt, 
Tie  ,®ef3uba'  if»r  au^gefteHt 
ein'r  Million  fie  betraut 
I§  TOgift  bom  Sater  gefellt. 


bem  inar  sugefomnien 
SSom  ©d^tpiegcrboter  ein 

©ott  alle§  augenommen 
Unb  blieb  bie  2(ermfte  be§ 


^oc^anan  brad)  barauf 
^m  SBe^flagen  iinb  SSeinen  auS 
Ueber  SfraeB  Seben§Iaitf 
Unb  iiber  ^e^uba  fetn 


,,@o  lang  ^frael  fiir  @ott  lebt 
S^ufe  e§  feinem  SSoIfe  fiirrfjten, 

2Senn  e§  fetn  @ebot  nirfjt  anftrebt 
2)iirfen  bie  $eib'n  fie  bernicfyten! 


202 


THE  RICH  DOWRY. 


The  Rabbi  raised  his  voice  and  spake, 

To  his  attentive  scholars  all, 
"To  see  this  woman  makes  me  quake, 

At  her  fate  which  must  all  appall. 

I  performed  the  ceremony 

At  her  marriage  years  ago, 
A  million  in  gold,  -the  dowry, 

Her  father  gave  her  as  all  know. 

Besides,  her  father-in-law  left 
The  same  amount,  oh,  so  secure ! 

Now  of  all  wealth  by  God  bereft, 

From  the  most  rich,  she  is  now  most  poor. 

Rabbi  Jochanan  thereupon 

In  loud  lamentations  broke  out, 
O'er  what  Israel  had  undergone 

And  the  fall  of  his  shrine  devout. 

"As  long  as  Israel  lives  for  God, 
No  nation  in  strength  is  his  peer, 

When  he  rebels  he  feels  his  rod, 

The  meanest  heathen  he  must  fear." 


203 


ftabbi  ©imon  Gfyalafta  fein  ©oljn 
Gnner  ber  grofet'n  £almublefjrer 

Grnaljrte  fid)  fonft  bom  £agelof)n 
Hub  ber  5lrmut  ein  33eref)rer. 


aller  feiner 
2>er  Scl^re  ©otte§  niibmet  er 
@cin  gonaeB  Seb'n  o^ne  ©torungen 
£rug  aud^  be:  fein  frommeS  SSeiB  ine^r. 


einmal  fteinenb  fefcte  fie 
3ln  einen  greitag  311  i^m 
,,2Bir  I)a6en  ja  nic^t  einmal  genau'5, 
SBeber  Sleifc^,  nod^  tooB  93rob  unb  fiirfjt 


Sinbei  fid^  fonft  in  unferem 
3Wtt  tra§  ttrir  ben  ©aobat  ef)ren. 

SSerlafe  bie  Siora,  laufe  ^inau§! 
93ring,  urn  ©abbat  nid^t  311  ftoren." 


GilenbS  berlieg  er  fein  ^au§  unb  ©tnbt 

ai^arfite  fidg  auf  bem  gelbe 
3u  ©ott  inbrinftig  cr  fle^en 
er  iljm  fug'  eine 


204 


THE  GEM. 


Rabbi  Simon  Chalafta's  great  son, 
Who  as  great  Talmudist  won  renown, 

His  daily  bread  through  hard  labor  won, 
Yet  oft  was  chilled  by  poverty's  frown. 

Still  despite  all  his  deprivation, 

To  God's  law  he  devoted  his  life, 
The  Torah  was  his  consolation, 
A  joy  to  him  and  his  pious  wife. 

Yet  once  her  tears  she  could  not  restrain, 
'Twas  Friday  eve  and  her  heart  did  break ; 

"I've  naught,  Queen  Sabbath  to  entertain," 
Thus  to  her  husband  with  tears  she  spake. 

"We  have  no  meat,  bread,  nor  Sabbath-lights, 
With  which  to  honor  the  Sabbath  day, 

Leave  for  a  moment  the  law's  delights, — 
And  see  for  the  Sabbath  to  purvey." 

Hastily  he  left  the  house  to  seek, 
Whate'er  he  could  find  on  farm  or  field, 

His  chances  were  slim,  his  prospects  bleak, 
He  prayed  that  his  efforts  good  might  yield. 


200 


$cr  Gbelftetn. 


§  er  im  gelb  immer  borindrtS  gieng 
23ie  burd)  cine  2JZad)t  getrieben 

cin  fdieinenber  (Slanj  gab  cin  SBinf 
fcincn  s-8Itdf  311  fdjieben 


(rine  fonbcrbarc  Grfdjeinung 
Xa§  er  ntrfjt  fonnte  t»erfte^en, 

6§  ftra^It  unb  glartat  in  fctner 
Unb  Ieurf}tet  il)m  311  im 


Sr  na^erte  fid)  balb  bem  Orte, 

S§  Itegen  Gbelfteine  bort 
(5r  gloubte  jefct  nid)t  feiuem  28orte 

llnb  Ijat  fie  nufgcfjob'n  fofort. 

&§>  mar  f'eine  £eujd)ung  in  ber  £Ijat, 
^a  cin  ©tein  tnar  Don  grofeem 

@d)ritte§  gel)t  er  nod)  bic  Stobt 
I)6rn  t)om  JRabbi  ob'§  befdjeert. 


grcije  JHabbi  mar  feljr  erfreut, 
©agtc  mit  boHem  Setouftfein: 
,,®en  28ert^  be§  @teine§  toeife  id)  nidjt 
9htr  gadjleute  iDiyfen'^  aHein. 


206 


THE  GEM. 


As  in  the  iield  further  he  did  go, 

As  though  driven  by  some  strange  power, 

H.e  was  attracted  by  a  bright  glow, 
As  brilliant  as  a  fortunate  hour. 

As  brilliant  as  a  fortunate  hour, 

Which  for  the  Rabbi  began  to  dawn, 

In  the  rays  that  strange  thing  did  shower, 
Upon  him  to  whom  all  was  forlorn. 

"When  near  he  drew  to  that  mystic  spot, 
He  saw  a  gem  that  shimmered  and  blazed, 

Was  he  in  a  dream  or  was  he  not? 
He  knew  not,  for  he  was  as  one  dazed ! 

But  'twas  no  dream,  'twas  reality, 
He  picked  up  the  gem  of  value  great, 

And  hastily  went  to  the  city 
With  the  Rabbi  to  deliberate. 

The  venerable  Rabbi  was  glad, 
To  see  the  good  man  so  fortunate, 

But  told  him  that  no  knowledge  he  had 
Of  gems  their  value  to  estimate. 


207 


$er  (Sbelftein. 


llnb  bi§  eine  Sdjafcung  ftottfinbet 

Iftimm  bir  ©beife  bon  meinem 
3?ring  fie  $eim  unb  ifyr  iibertoimbet 

llnb  fiir  ben  ©abbat  ifyr  fjabt  ©cf)mau§." 

S^alafta  nafjm  je^t  ben  ©tetn  unb  @d)mau§ 

Itnb  !am  nad)  ^>auje  gelaufen 
3Wit  better  $anb  unb  ftredfenb  borau§ 

33elaben  mil  einem  $aufen. 

©rftaunt  ifjm  feine  @attin  jurief: 
,,2Bo^er  biefe  9KitteI  fo  fd^nett? 
JI)ate[t  bu  fdjatfeu  •  bitrdj  93?iBgriff? 
llngererfjtcS  ift  mir  $eH'  !  " 


berfe^tc  je^t  i^r  (Satte: 
,,@ott  mar  ijeute  fo  gnabig  mir 
llnb  mir  einen  Sdia^  gcfiigt  Iiattc 
Unb  bie§  aHe§  bringe  id)  bir." 

"  5BerIor  bod)  ientanb  belt  Crbelftein, 

SBie  fott  id)  grembe§  beriil)ren? 
Coffer  ber  hunger  ober  tobt  fein 
bei  @ott  S8a§  berlieren! 


THE  GEM. 


"Until  its  true  value  thou  wilt  know, 
Take  as  much  food  as  thou  canst  carry, 

Take  it  home  with  thee,  now  quickly  go, 
'Tis  for  the  Sabbath,  do  not  tarry!" 

Chalafta  took  the  gems,  also  food, 

And  to  his  house,  joyfully  he  ran, 
Showed  all  to  his  wife  with  happy  mood, 

Happy  indeed  was  the  lucky  man ! 

With  surprise  his  wife  gazed  and  exclaimed: 
' '  Whence  did  you  bring  these  provisions — Speak ! 

Didst  not  get  them  through  a  deed  of  shame? 
In  thy  uprightness  thou  ne'er  wast  weak." 

Joyfully  her  husband  related, 

"God  was  most  gracious  to  me  to-day, 

Riches  I  n'er  anticipated, 

In  my  humble  path  he  caused  to  lay." 

"Thy  gain,  dear  man,  is  another's  loss, 

How  canst  thou  keep  this  gem,  'tis  not  thine! 

Let  poverty  with  us  take  its  course, 
And  let  us  not  incur  wrath  Divine." 


209 


Gbelftctn. 


SBolltejt  bit  benn  cm§  beiner  ®rone 
©inen  @tein  %enfett§  berlieren? 
Unb  bitrd)  feinen  $reis  c§  fid)  loljnc 
Soljn  ©ort—  $icr  311  licritl)rcn? 


2Beber  ©tent  nod)  (Speijen.  bie  Setben, 
^d)  mit  $anb'n  ntd)t  crrocrben  iljat 

28iH  id),  ftcber  bulbeti  nod)  letben. 
®em  ©igent^iimer  riirferftott!  " 

G^alafta  ertfjetlte  bic  SSorte 

Seiner  gran,  bem  greifen  Scorer, 
©er  i^r  gerat^en  in  ber  @ortc 
311  fein  ber 


Unb  urn  ben  Sol)n  in  jenent  Seben 
2SeId)er  einft  ifyr  bod)  fefjlen  mag, 

2Siff  er  bon  feincr  ^rone  geben 
Hub  ifjr  erfe^en  ben  (Srtrag. 

©ie  be^nrrte  bennod)  i^re  @ad)', 
(So  ba§  nEe§  t^eilt  bie  Sfafirfjt, 

Unb  fo  fd)Iitmmert  [te  in  ba§  ©rab 
Unb  fpiegelt  sitriicf  al§  ©ternltd)t 


210 


THE  GEM. 


"Dost  wish  to  lose  a  gem  from  the  crown, 
That  in  Paradise  will  deck  thy  brow, 

And  for  thy  temporal  wealth  lay  down, 
Reward  eternal  to  squander  now. 

Neither  gem  nor  food  will  I  accept, 

What  through  honest  toil  I  ha-ve  not  earned, 

I  do  not  want, — they  shall  not  be  kept, — 
To  the  owner  they  must  be  returned!" 

His  wife's  words  Chalafta  repeated, 
To  his  teacher,  the  venerable  Sage, 

Who  forthwith  the  former  entreated, 
In  quarrelsome  ways  not  to  engage. 

Nor  worry  concerning  the  reward, 

That  would  suffer  depreciation, 
He'd  make  good  the  loss  in  due  regard, 

Of  his  love  and  appreciation. 

But  she  insisted,  for  she  was  brave, 

And  convinced  them  all  that  she  was  right, 

And  now  she  but  slumbers  in  her  grave, 
Her  example's  e'er  a  beacon-light. 


211 


Gfam  Sit  £etoba. 

Kadjum  Sfd)  ©am  ©it,  beritymt  al§  £almubift 

Unb  3itr  $eit  cincr  bcr  grommften  an  bcr  Sift 

Xcffen  botte  Jpingebimg  bcr  (Sottlirfjfcit 

Wit  Scib  itnb  3celc  itnb  ftctc  Gfjrlidjfctt 

^et  jcbem  llngliiif  ba§  if>n  Bctroffcn  Ijat, 

3nm  ©|.irtrf)luort  fpnft  gelnorbcn  ift  in  bcr  £l)at. 

u  Scto&a"  cin  ©pricfynort,  fo  c§  Tjcifet, 
"  9Tud)  bicfeS  Uebcl  fuljrt  311111  Wutcit  incift  " 

fiir  cinigc  ^ett  im  ^ubenniunbc. 
2)er  Wlann  in  fciner  Ic^ten  2cben§[tunbe 
^urd^  ®otte§  ftrafcnben  Strm  fo  gefdjlagcn 
llcber  "  §iob§  "=2eibcn,  bi§  ben  le^t'n 


cincr  elenb  baufdHigen  §ittte 

t  bcm  ©turm,  S^oft  bci  jcbcnt  ©djrittc 
Unb  fo  lag  er,  bom  2lugenlid)te  bcraubt, 
^on  fcinen  £>anben  itnb  gitfeen  iibcrljaiibt. 
lint  llngejiefer  bon  i^m  abju^alten 
SBitrbe  cr  immer  in  SSaffer  ge^alten. 

@o  feine  ©d^itler  um  iE)n  fyer  unb  badjten, 
(Seine  jammerbotte  Sage  betradjten! 
Umgab'n  i^n  aud)  feine  treue  2(nljanger, 
®ie  i^n  fdjonenb  betoeinten,  3eiten  longer, 
fie  iljn  fonft  in  ber  ^iitte  erblicften, 
toeldjer  etn  ©infturj  rt)ar  311  befiirdjten. 

212 


GAM  ZU  LETOVAH. 

Naehum  Ish  gam  zu,  Talmudist  of  renown, 
Of  a  good  name  wore  the  most  glorious  crown, 
His  resignation  to  the  Almighty's  will, 
His  heart  and  soul  and  entire  being  did  fill; 
However  great  the  misfortunes  that  him  befell, 
His  motto  ever  was  "This  is  also  well." 

"Gam  zu  letovah,"  was  his  eternal  creed, 
"This  misfortune  also  to  some  good  will  lead," 
'Tis  repeated  by  the  Jews  of  every  clime, 
A  popular  maxim  to  the  end  of  time; 
The  man's  suffering  ne'er  caused  him  to  rebel, 
Although  in  Job  alone  is  their  parallel. 

On  a  desolate  spot  a  poor  hovel  stood, 

Frail  and  rickety  the  wind  it  scarce  withstood, 

There  he  lay,  the  afflicted  Rabbi,  stone  blind, 

Without  hands  or  feet,  most  wretched  of  mankind, 

To  save  him  from  falling  to  vermin  a  prey, 

He  was  kept  immersed  in  water  night  and  day. 

His  fond  disciples  to  him  were  ever  near, 

rjazed  at  his  condition  with  many  a  tear, 

His  faithful  friends  contemplating  his  sad  state, 

Bemoaned  with  breaking  hearts  his  most  wretched  fate; 

And  as  they  gazed  they  saw  what  them  did  appal— 

The  little  sheltering  hut  threatened  to  fall. 


213 


Wain  Sit  fieto&a. 

,,£)f)  9fabbi!  baten  fie  iljn  innigft  baljer: 
28ir  bitten  bid)!    S)u  foUft  bid)  ntd)t  langer  mefjr 
@iner  foldjen  grofeen  ©efaljr  au§fefcen! 
©ielje!   bie  $iitte  brofyt  bid)  311  berlefcen! 
©rlaub',  auf  unfern  $anben  bid)  311  fdjtoingen 
®einen  fid^'n  fieib  in  ©idjer^eit  311  bringen. 


um  mid)  bie  minbefte  Sorge  nidjt! 
©ntfernt  nur  erft  bie  ©eratlje,  bie  in  ®id)t, 
S)ie  ©c^aben  leiben  fonnten  in  bem  ©emad), 
©obonn  fonnt  i^r  and)  mid)  bej'orgen  ^ernad); 
S)enn  ber  3tHmdd)tige  ©ott  luirb  fein  nut  mir, 
llnb  nid^t§  ge[d^ie^t  and)  in  einer  SBeife  ^ier." 

llnb  fie()!  raeld^  ein  SBnnber  bei  ben  ©efaljren! 
®enn  faum  fie  ifyrer  S^rbeit  fertig  toaren, 
2tt§  biefe  ^iitte  bor  i^ren  2fugen  faHt! 
.^rad)enb  snfnmmen  geftiir3t  ba§  alte  3^It. 
llnb  be§  propfye^eiljenben  ^abbi'SBorte 
©id)  bnd^ftablic^  beftin^rt  am  felben  Drte. 


,,2Bir  iDoIIen  ba§  3tatf)fel  bod)  Ijaben  geloftf 
SBenn  bit  fo  erliaben  iiber  9Cnbre  fte^ft 
SBaruni  leibeft  bn  fo  fcfyuer,  Don  aCcn  me^r? 
S)a  bu  nnr  fiir  ©ottlia^feit  gelebt  immer! 
©ag  nn§  ba§  9UitljfeI,  ba§  Dor  un§  t^ut  fdjlueben 
llnb  follft  iin§  fein  2lnlafj  311  ©iinben  geben!" 


214 


GAM  ZU  LETOVAH. 

"0  Rabbi,"  they  pleaded  to  him  earnestly, 

"We  pray  thee,  see  the  danger  that  threatens  thee, 

And  no  longer  remain  in  this  shaky  place, 

Where  instant  is  the  destruction  thou  dost  face, 

We'll  carry  thee  in  our  arms  and  take  thee  hence, 

And  save  thy  precious  life  from  this  great  suspense." 

"Do  not  worry  about  me,"  the  Rabbi  said, 
"But  remove  the  articles  that  here  are  spread, 
For  if  they  remain,  destroyed  they'll  surely  be, 
Then  ye  may  return  and  see  concerning  me, 
The  Almighty  is  with  me,  there's  naught  to  fear, 
There  is  no  danger  to  aught  whilst  I  am  here." 

Behold  a  miracle  wondrous  great  was  wrought, 

They  had  finished  their  work,  when  quick  as  thought, 

The  hovel  fell  to  pieces  before  their  eyes, 

Spell-bound  they  stood,  they  could  barely  realize 

How  literally  the  Rabbi's  words  were  fulfilled, 

When  the  truth  dawned  on  them,  they  were  fairly  thrilled. 

' '  0  Rabbi,  this  enigma  kindly  explain, 

Since  this  exalted  station  thou  didst  attain, 

Why  then  dost  thou  suffer  more  than  all  the  world, 

Thou  who  but  for  God  thy  entire  life  hast  toiled, 

Solve  us  this  problem  that  our  minds  does  oppress, 

Dispell,  we  pray,  all  our  doubts  lest  we  transgress ! ' ' 

215 


3u  fieto&a. 


,,£6ret!  meine  tljeure  ©djiiler  ib,r 

%d)  fyab  cinft  eine  9teife  itnternommen, 

39?einen  ©djftrigerbater  fonft  311  befudrjen 

llnb  ba  ber  2Beg  entfernt,  idj'3  tljat  berfudjen 

Unb  belub  brei  @fel  mil  ©fftoaren  gar 

SSon  gritrfiten,  ©etranfe  affer^attb  fiirma^r. 

SSii^renb  ba§  id)  fortge[e^t  metne  9leife 
(Jin  2>?ann  mtd^  fonft  anfiielt  in  einer  SBetfe 
©tammelnb  derlangt  er  ein  ©tiicfdjen  Srob  bon  mir, 
S)a§  er  fid^  feinen  §uhger  ftitte  ft)ie  frii^'r." 
Sd)  farad)  311  iljm:  ,,h)arte!  id)  ftrilTS  erfitten, 
ein  SBeilc^cn  gebulb',  tfju  id^  bein 


id)  bom  ©f'l  abgelaben  im  ©leidjen 
llnb  bir  e§  nad)  28iinfd)  bie  §ilfe  fann  reidjen! 
SB  id)  aber  alleS  in  Drbnimg  gebradjt 
llnb  an  ettoa  bofen  Solgen  nid)t§  gebac^t, 
21I§  id)  nadjb^er  bem  Settler  bringe  ba§  Srob 
Unb  fieJje!  311  ft>ot,  ber  STrme  tear  fdjon  tobt! 

SSerjtDeiflungSboU  trarf  id)  mid)  in  meinem  ©ramm 

$in,  aitf  ben  erbarmlid)  entfeelten  Seid^nom, 

SSufd)  il)n  bann  mit  meinen  £b,ronen  bitterlid^, 

llnb  meine  bbfe  £anblung  flagte  je^t  ic^ 

SSor  bem  fonft  unbefted)Itd)en  9ticgter  an 

llnb  legte  mir  auf  ben  bofen  2?htd)  itnb  Sann: 


216 


GAM  ZU  LETOVAH. 

"Listen,"  dear  scholars  of  faith  unshaken, 
"One  day,  a  journey  I  have  undertaken, 
I  desired  to  visit  my  father-in-law, 
And  as  it  was  a  long  journey,  I  foresaw, 
I  loaded  three  asses  with  all  kinds  of  food, 
With  fruit,  beverages,  and  all  that  was  good. 

Thus  I  set  out, — in  midst  of  my  journey, 

A  man  hurried  forward  and  accosted  me, 

Stammering,  he  said  to  me  to  give  him  some  bread, 

To  satisfy  his  fierce  hunger,  he  said ; 

I  begged  him  to  be  patient,  and  very  soon 

I  would  see  to  his  wants  and  grant  him  his  boon. 

Wait  but  a  moment,  the  viands  I  will  procure, 
And  a  substantial  repast  to  thee  assure. 
However,  before  I  found  all  that  I  sought, 
And  of  evil  consequences  ne'er  had  thought, 
And  went  to  the  beggar  to  give  him  the  bread, 
Alas!  It  was  too  late,  the  poor  man  was  dead! 

I  threw  myself  upon  the  corpse  in  despair, 
My  grief  was  boundless,  greater  than  I  could  bear, 
I  washed  his  shrunken  face  with  my  bitter  tears, 
I  was  consumed  by  remorse  and  filled  with  fears; 
Before  the  austere  Judge,  myself  I  accused, 
With  a  terrible  curse  myself  I  abused: 


217 


©u  fietoba. 


„£>!),  ba3  bod)  bie  bofttnflige  Stitgen  mein, 
SDie  ba3  unenblidje  (£Ienb  fafyen  fein 
llnb  nid)t  rafd)  gur  STbfjilfe  geleudjtet  ^eH 
^n  meinem  ®ot>fe  erblinben  molten  fdjneH! 
S)a§  bie  .§iinbe,  bie  ba»  @ute  311  boflbrtng'n 
<So  lange  geaogert,  wnb  tljnten  nid)t  bring'n 

©olten  abgefdjnitt'u  tuerb'u  o^ne  ©rbarmen! 
S)ie  §iifje,  bie  gefaiimt  gegen  ben  3frmen, 
S)ie  gur  2tu§iibung  ebler  £f)aten  beftimmt 
?htdi  fie  sur  Strafe  3teljen  wnb  fid)  fie  nimmt 
Unb  be^afte  fie  mit  SSunben  unb  Dualen, 
Unter  grofecn  ©djmerken  mir  bom  Seib'  fnffen! 

©o  beftiirmtc  id)  ben  9fflmdd)tigen  @ott 
S'tiifje  finben  311  fonnen  nm  £)rt 
unb  9iad)te  unitnterbrod)cn  fort, 
enblid)  er  meine  ©ebete  er^ort 
Unb  mid)  tyeimgefndjt  mit  bem  ftrafenben  ©cfjtnert, 
id)  je^t  leibe,  unb  e§  nid)t  anber§ 


218 


GAM  ZU  LETOVAH. 


"0  may  my  eyes,  those  evil  eyes  that  did  see, 
The  man's  endless  wretchedness  and  misery, 
And  yet  to  bring  him  speedy  help  did  not  mind, 
Instantly  quench  their  light  and  become  stone  blind; 
May  my  hands  that  could  have  saved  and  yet  delayed, 
With  this  terrible  punishment  be  repaid! 

Shall  be  severed  from  my  body,  merciless, — 
My  feet  that  hastened  not  to  relieve  distress, 
Which  for  deeds  of  charity  were  formed  to  speed, 
Because  they  hurried  not  to  relieve  his  need, 
From  my  body  shall  fall  with  tortures  severe, 
With  the  most  violent  pains  that  burn  and  sear. 

For  these  things  to  God  I  prayed  incessantly, 
Nor  rest  could  I  find  in  my  great  misery, 
Day  and  night,  endless  was  my  grief,  unsurpassed, 
Until  the  Almighty  heard  my  prayer  at  last, 
And  punished  me  as  I  wished,  as  ye  observed, 
My  sufferings,  thus  ye  see,  I  have  deserved!" 


219 


Srurio  bog  fcltcnc  28ct6. 


grofte  ©eleljrte  fein'r  3eit 
2Sar  mit  ein'r  ©atttn,  bie  beriifjmt  toeit  unb  breit 
©efegnet;  unb  ba§  SWuft'r  rtjeiblid^er  Slugenb, 
&alt  fie  tote  bei  2Wt'n  fo  aud^  bei  ber  ^ugenb. 

Sruria,  bieB  ber  ^ame  ber  £refflid)en, 
©ie  geiftig  iiberlegen  mond^  monltcfyen 
Se[onber§  in  ben  talmubifd)en  Seljren 
S^re  ?tufgabe  ftet§  toar  fid)  311  nafyren. 


tfyat  fid)  58ruria  argu^'n 
£almub,  font  3itr  ©tell',  tuo  er  tfjut  berle^'n 
ganse  3rcm'ngefd)Ied)t  im  attgemeinen: 
fie  mit  einem  Seidjtfinn  befdjaff'n  feien. 


Cf'inft  ftetfte  fie  bie  gragc  an  ifyren  SKann: 
,,3Sie  fid)  e§  nur  ber  Xalutub  erlauben  fann 
ileber  ein  ganae§  ©efd)led)t  311  berlja'ngen 
llnb  fie  bon  ber  ©ittlidjfeit  311  bcrbrangen?  " 


v.()r  liebcnb'r  ©attc  gab  i^r  jcbod)  ben 
©ie  ruf)enben  SBeifen  sum  ^ampf  in  ber  £I)at 
311  erluecf'n  au§  iljrem  etuigen  ©tfjlaf, 
il)r  2Iu§fprud)  nur  erprobte  gaft'n  traff. 


220 


B'RURYAH,  A  RARE  WOMAN. 


Rabbi  Meir,  the  most  learned  man  of  a  brilliant  age, 
Was  blessed  with  a  wife  as  widely  known  as  the  Sage, 
Both  beautiful  and  learned,  a  chaste  woman  withal, 
The  pride  of  her  spouse  and  a  paragon  to  all ! 

B'ruryah  was  the  name  of  this  excellent  dame, 
Who  with  her  learning  put  many  a  man  to  shame, 
Her  best  achievement  was  in  the  Talmudic  field, 
Delicious  was  the  fruit  thereof,  her  mind  did  yield. 

B'ruryah,  one  day,  in  the  Talmud  taking  delight, 
Came  across  a  certain  passage  where  a  slight 
Is  cast  upon  the  wisdom  of  woman's  domain, 
For  there  her  sex  is  classed  as  frivolous  and  vain. 

Irritated,  of  her  husband  she  demanded, 
How  the  Talmud  could  pass  such  judgment  high  handed, 
Upon  an  entire  sex  and  cover  it  with  shame, 
Under-rate  its  moral  steadfastness,  its  fair  fame. 

Her  loving  husband  wisely  told  her  it  were  best 

To  let  the  Sages  lie  in  their  eternal  rest, 

And  not  to  arouse  them  to  answer  for  their  acts, 

For  the  judgment  they  had  passed  is  based  upon  facts. 


221 


$rurtn  bag*  fdtcnc  28ctb. 


llnb  ba  fie  ben  91abbt  tinnier  311  qutiltc, 
Urn  cincn  9luffd)Iu3,  iljn  juni  9tid)ter  toafyltc, 
Sointt  Fjat  cr  e§  btcSmal 
lint  ber  G^re  bcr  Scifn  c§  if)it 


VI  it  ifjr  fclb[t  cin  ^robeUcrfnlir'n  t^n  iibcn, 
lint  tt>etbltcf)c  ©d^lndrfjc  311  3eua'n  unb  tritbcn, 
Gincn  feiner  Stalnmbiung'r  betrant  bantit 

3it  ntadj'n  etncn  berfiirjrertfdj'n  ©djrttt, 


llnb  fie  bi§  311  eincr  OJren^c  Derloite, 
©a§  ftc  i^nt  nntrcn  nicrbc  drier  3dte! 

nfniibc  luar  bcm  Si'uu]Iing  nid)t  fcl)r  Ictdjt 
bod)  nntcr  einem 


inarb  je^t  ber  23ruria  td(?Iid)cr  ©aft 

cudielet  unb  ^un[tflriffe  fon[t  gcfa&t 
(5r  bonn  if)r  §erjd)cn  erobert  unb  gcluamt 
@o  ba§  Seu'r  ber  Siebc  in  ifjr  [id)  cntfvann! 


S)ie  fo  fd)one  unb  fronnne  s^rurin 
28urbe  bann  etn  O^fer  ber  Siebe  su  lefct 
SDtc  jugcnblid)  reisenbe  ^,unc3linc]§=®e[tallt 
ifjre  ©efiitjle  3U  einer 


222 


B'RURYAH,  A  RARE  WOMAN. 


She  continued  the  Rabbi  to  harass  and  vex, 
And  a  better  opinion  she  asked  *f or  her  sex, 
To  prove  that  she  was  wrong  he  hit  upon  a  plan, 
For  the  Rabbin's  honor  he  was  a  partisan. 

He  decided,  on  herself  to  make  an  attempt, 
To  convince  her  that  her  sex  'tis  easy  to  tempt; 
Hence  to  a  trusty  scholar  who  would  not  betray, 
He  confided  the  mission  to  lead  her  astray. 

To  lead  her  to  the  very  verge  of  faithlessness, 

So  that  woman's  weakness  she'll  be  forced  to  confers, 

This  thankless  task  the  scholar  to  facilitate, 

In  her  home,  essayed,  himself  to  insinuate. 

Success  crowned  his  efforts  he  was  her  daily  guest, 
His  artful  flattery  and  sweet  words  did  the  rest, 
He  won  her  heart  and  became  her  master  and  man, 
The  fire  of  her  love  its  consuming  work  began. 

And  thus  the  beautiful  and  chaste  B'ruryah  at  last, 
By  love's  artifices  was  completely  compassed, 
The  young  and  handsome  scholar  and  his  winning  ways, 
Set  her  brain  in  a  fever,  her  heart  in  a  blaze. 


223 


$rnriit  bn^  fdtcne 


So  ftmrbe  nun  bet  Bungling  ber  £age§l)elb, 
2)a  er  fret  fonft  eintrat  in  23ruria§  3elt 
llnb  hiann  er  felbft  nur  einen  Stag  toegbliebe 
Safe  fie  frf)on  Beim  <venfter  trourin  unb  triibe. 

2)er  ^iingling  berfurfjte  je^t  abgitbred^en 
2>en  fteten  93efud^,  «m  il)r  $erj  311  fd^lrad^en 
Unb  fie^e!  bie  fromme  ^elbin  ber  ^ugenb 
(Srfjttmrmte  erft  red^t  urn  ber-Siebe  ber  ^ugenb! 


@ine§  ^age§  )>rac^  er  bann  offen  311  ifyr: 
,,33ruria,  bit  f  ommft  morgen  tm  SBalb  mit  mir  ! 
Unb  unter  jenen  ^oF)en  fdfjattigen  33aitm 
3Warf)en  irir  bann  nud^  unfrer  28onne§=Sitft  JRattm! 


©onft  itnterbred^e  icf)  ganj  nteinen 

llnb  bie§  toitrbe  oud^  fein  mein  letter 

3Wit  jitt'renben  Si^pen  gab  fie  if)m  ba§  SBort 

Urn  gufammen  3it  treff'n  am  beftimmten  £>rt. 


gitrd)t  itnb  5Borh)itrf  tytelte  in  i^reni 
SDie  gange  9Jad)t  geqttalt  bon  llrt^ei 
2)orf)  bie  Siebe  sum  Bungling  f)atte  gefiegt 
Unb  bent  9Serfpretf)en  Ijatte  fie  fic^  gefiigt. 


224 


B'RURYAH,  A  KARE  WOMAN. 


Thus  the  youth,  the  hero  of  her  heart,  e'er  was  free, 
To  see  her  at  her  home  and  keep  her  company, 
In  his  presence  she  lived,  his  absence  made  her  pine, 
On  the  day  she  saw  him  not  the  sun  ceased  to  shine. 

The  youth  then  attempted  to  play  a  colder  part, 
To  call  less  often  and  quench  the  fire  in  her  heart, 
But  alas  for  the  virtue  of  the  pure  and  chaste, 
More  passionate  was  her  love  quite  youthful  in  taste. 

The  youth  thought  of  his  mission,  to  the  test  supreme, 
He  would  put  the  staid  matron  who  played  love 's  young  dream, 
"Bruryah,"  said  he,  "to-morrow  shall  see  love's  fruition, 
'Neath  the  shady  tree,  'tis  the  only  condition. 

Upon  which  with  thee  in  future  I  will  abide, 

Otherwise,  ne'er  again  wilt  see  me  at  thy  side!" 

With  trembling  lips  the  desired  appointment  she  made, 

And  to-morrow  they  would  meet  'neath  the  large  tree's  shade. 

Fear  and  self-reproach  tormented  her  all  that  night, 
Conflicting  emotions  placed  her  in  a  sad  plight, 
But  love  for  the  youth  conquered  everything  at  last, 
To  the  youth  she'd  be  true,  to  her  promise  steadfast. 


225 


$ritria  bas  fcUrne  SBetfc. 


3fm  anbcren  £age  fteflte  fie  fid)  and)  ciit 

Unter  jenem  beftimmten  23aum  gang  atteirt; 

3fuf  be§  $imgling§=2lnhmft  fie  bort  bebenb  laufdjt, 

3113  aiif  cinmal  ftiaS  Ueberrafd)enbe§  raufdjt! 

©5  nal)erten  fid)  ©d)ritte  tiont  bid)ten  SBalb 
2Sor  i^r  ftanb  Mbi  3^air,  ifir  ©atte  balb! 
SKer  !ann  fid)  borfteHen  jenen  foment! 
©ie  fan?  in  einer  O^nmnd)t,  an^  Sd)aQnt  gebrcnnt. 


S)er  ^Rabbi  fie  je^t  311111  ^cumftfctn  gebradjt: 
meine  Retire!  Ijatteft  bit  e§  gebad)t? 
einc  ^3mria  aud)  fo  fel)len  famt! 
fjatten  unfre  SSetfen  nidjt  red)t  baran? 


2)iefe  ganje  @d)itlb  liegt  gftar  attetn  an  mir, 
2)a§  id)  biefe  ^Srobe  berfud)te  mit  bir, 
llnb  barnm  bcrseifye  id)  bir  aud)  fef)r  gern 
llnb  fottft  mir  fiir  toeiterfyin  aud)  angef)6rn." 

33ruria  aber  bon  ©d)amgcfitl)l  gefrdnft 
5Der  SSortourf  unb  65ramm  fie  3iim  SBafjne  gebra'ngt 
llnb  burd)  ©elbftmorb  ifjrem  Scb'n  ein  @nb'  gemad)t! 
^o  ergetyt'S  bem,  ber  bie  SBetf'n  I)tilt  in  33erbad)t, 


226 


B'RURYAH,  A  RARE  WOMAN. 


On  the  morrow  to  the  appointed  place  she  came, 

To  that  massive  shady  tree  that  would  hide  her  shame, 

She  trembling  awaited  her  lover's  approach, 

But  other  footsteps  she  heard  coming  to  encroach. 

Other  footsteps  through  the  thicket  swiftly  advanced, 
Before  her  stood  Rabbi  Meir,  with  pity  he  glanced 
At  her  shrinking  form,  cowering  neath  his  mild  gaze, 
Overcome  by  shame,  she  sank  as  though  in  a  -da/e. 

• 

The  Rabbi  revived  her.  with  gentleness  he  spake, 
"Didst  dream,  dear  wife,  that  e'en  thee  such  could  overtake? 
Even  a  B'ruryah  is  weak  thou  wilt  now  allow, 
What  sayest  thou  to  the  Rabbin's  stern  judgment  now? 

Mine  is  the  fault  of  thy  present  indiscretion, 
'Twas  my  test  of  thee,  created  this  condition, 
Therefore  I  forgive  thee.  my  love's  thine  as  of  yore! 
As  the  queen  of  my  home,  thee  again  I  restore!" 

But  B'ruryah  was  burning  with  all  consuming  shame, 
From  bitterness  of  remorse  insane  she  became, 
In  a  dark  moment  she  committed  suicide, 
A  warning  to. all  who  Sages  doubt  or  deride! 


227 


ber  ($rofcc  wib  bic  XUmo^oncn. 


ber  ©rofee,  ber  nid)t  aflein 
SBelterobercr  fonft  befannt 
Sonbern  nud),  al§  (Jjplorcr  aflgcmetn 
xxsii  3lfriFa  unb  int  9J 


91  IS  cr  fid)  cinjt  auf  ber  grofeen.  3?etjc 
Xief  in  2IfriFa§  ©cbitfl  bcfanb 

35&oDte  er  bann  aud)  in  einer  2$eifc 
^cfteigen  bcr  iBergc  ^ol)en  iflanb. 


biirrc  @ebirg§t'cttc  jebod) 
@o  mirb'y  im  SWibrofd) 
§  !ein  menfd)Iid)er  JWetfcnbcr  c§  nod) 
(Seluagt  l)dttc  mit  fcinein  Ccben, 


2id)  ben  ^CH  ,U'  bnljnen  ober  iiialcn 
Csii  ioncn  unl)eimlid)en  ^rcifen, 

Ta  fetne  Sonnc  unb  Fcine  ©troftlcn 
.s>crr|d)t,  itnb  nitr  Ainftcrni^  bciycifcn. 


2)er  fo  forfdjenbe  C^oift 

aiid)  btcjeSmal  itidjt  fel)lcn, 
fid)  bem  ©efal)r  auS,  nid)t  anberS 
Unb  509  burd)  bic  55erQe  unb  $ijf)Ien. 


223 


Alexander  the  Great,  who  not  alone, 

As  conquerer  of  the  world  was  famed, 
As  eager  explorer  was  also  known, 

Africa  and  Asia  his  notice  claimed. 

Engaged  on  an  African  exploring  quest, 
'Mongst  Africa's  mountainous  regions  gone, 

Their  towering  heights  did  his  mind  invest, 
With  daring  desire  to  climb  thereon. 

That  chain  of  mountains,  the  Medrash  relate, 

Was  until  then  of  human  foot  untrod, 
The  boldest  traveler  e'er  would  hesitate, 

To  scale  the  heights  on  which  the  clouds  did  nod. 

Mountains  of  darkness  where  the  sun  ne'er  shone, 
Where  thick  Egyptian  blackness  reigned  throughout, 

Where  immense  outlines  'gainst  the  sky  were  thrown, 
In  solitary  grandeur  round  about. 

Alexander's  bold  and  inquiring  mind, 
No  baffling  barrier  could  balk  or  brook, 

In  greatest  dangers,  greatest  joy  he'd  find, 

Upon  yon  mountain  heights  he'd  climb  and  look. 


229 


bet  ©roftc  itnb  btc 


S)iefe§  9lbenteuer  Ijat  nid)t  minber 

©inbrutf  geiibt  auf  bem  28anberer 
3u  reifen  im  ginftern  trie  ein  S3Iinber 
ctncni 


iniU)fcIigcn  {vorfd)en  er 
@§  fldana  and)  biennial  bcni  .v»elbcn 
u  erblirfcn  Strnljlen  unb  Sonnenlidjt 
2(ud)  ein  -Hjal  boit  .'oi'uu'I  311  melben. 


erblicften  bort  cin 
?rud)  ein  bejonber  frudjtbarce 
mar  ,,(5artnt]en"  bie  ^nfelfjitgel 

don  grnn'n  ,,^nu^oneu"    iienannt. 


ruunbcrlidjc 
9?cgiertc  fid)  U)i 
©ie  sogen  afle  im  .^rieg  unb 
Sa,  aU  i^r  fceiblidje  ©efd^Ie^ter. 

@o  fmben'hrir  im  SWibrafd)  bie  ©age: 
SBenn  fie  ein  sH?dbd)en  snr  25elt  gebrad)t 

S)effen  linfe  33rnft  in  enter  S2age 

^lbid)nitten  unb  jum  ©taat§bienft  bebadjt. 


230 


ALEXANDER  THE  GREAT  AND  THE  AMAZONS. 


The  uncanny  darkness  his  mind  inflamed, 

With  the  adventurer's  burning  desire, 
To  pierce  that  mystery  yet  unnamed, 

With  a  large  army  in  warrior's  attire. 

Through  laborious  marching  and  seeking, 

At  length  through  the  mountains,  passage  they  broke, 

Of  sunshine's  rays  they  beheld  streaking, 
That  a  new  region  of  daylight  bespoke. 

An  enchanting  picture  their  gaze  did  meet, 

In  the  centre  of  the  shimmering  sea, 
Was  a  fair  island,  the  charming  retreat, 

Of  Amazons,  of  women  brave  and  free. 

' '  Carthagene "  was  the  name  of  the  abode, 

Which  altogether  by  women  was  ruled, 
In  peace  or  war  they  alone  bore  the  load, 

For  every  woman  to  battle  was  schooled. 

In  the  Medrash  they  tell  us  of  this  race,— 
When  e'er  a  female  child  to  them  was  born, 

Its  left  breast  they  cut  in  a  certain  place, 

Thus  fitting  it  for  war,  from  weakness  shorn. 


231 


bcr  ©rofje  unb  btc 


Unb  toenn  fie  einen  ®naben  gebaren 
£enfelben  ben  Sftannern  augetfyeili, 

S5ie  au§erljalb  ber  %nfel  ftei§  toaren 
Unb  ol§  Bitten,  2Bcid)ter  bort  getDeilt. 


erfreitt  Don  ber  STuSfid^t, 
2>a§  er  nodj  ein  Sanb  mag  geiuinnen 
3)urrf)  feinen  @ieg,  unb  marf)te  fidj'S  sur 
Hnb  erfldrte  ben  ®rieg  aurf)  i^nen. 

S)ie  ®neg§er!Itirung  tear  ben  2fma3onen 
©in  unliebfcuner  @o(t  in  ber  X^ot, 

S)a  fie  bernommen  bie  HJZatfjt  ber  $erfonen 
2BeId)e  Slleranber  befeff'n  Ijat. 


©omit  t^oten  fie  lieber 

311  iiberrafrfi'n  mit  ber  Sotfdjaft, 
er  foH  fid)  burdjau§  nid)t  Bemii^en 
@d)Iad)t  aufsune^men  fonbern  greunbfdjaft. 


2)enn  felbft  im  goHe  bit  itn§  Beftegft  redjt 
@§  bir  bann  gum  9tut)me  nid)t  gereidjt 

^nbem  bit  bod)  nitr  cin  fd)rt)Qd)e§  ©efd)Ied)t 
93efampft  unb  befiegt  fjatteft  fo  leid)t. 


232 


ALEXANDER  THE  GREAT  AND  THE  AMAZONS. 


But  to  a  male  child  when  they  .gave  birth, 
They  would  at  once  give  it  the  men  to  keep, 

To  live  on  that  isle  the  men  were  not  worth, 
They  were  In  a  different  place  tending  sheep. 

9 

A  new  conquest  was  Alexander's  thought, 
The  victor's  joy  already  filled  his  breast, 

At  length  he  found  that  other  world«he  sought, 
War's  declaration  to  them  he  addressed. 

The  fair  Amazons  were  filled  with  dismay, 

For  the  conquerer's  fame  had  reached  their  ears, 

Although  unusually  brave  were  they, 

Alexander's  advance  filled  them  with  fears. 

Hence  with  ready  wit  and  womanly  tact, 

They  responded  in  a  manner  suave, 
That  his  declaration  was  a  foolish  act, 

And  unfit  for  Alexander  the  brave. 

"For  e'en  if  thou  victorious  shouldst  be, 
No  glory  on  thee  will  it  e'er  reflect, 

O'er  women  thou  hast  gained  a  victory, 
Thou  wilt  gain  derision  and  not  respect." 


233 


9lfejattbcr  ber  OJrofic  unb  bte 


SSie  nnrb  c§  abcr  bann  ber  gaU  bod)  fein 
SBenn  tin'r  fonft  ben  Sieg  babon  tragen 

Soboiin  rt)irb  beine  ®d)anbe  nirf)t  feiu  flein 
Unb  bu  hrirft  bann  toeinen  nnb  flagen." 

trcfflid)  gelungene  SKorte 

einen  ti-inbrncE  nnf  bein  $ontg 
2o  ba§^r  bann  ab^og  bom  ®rieg§orte 
9J?it  grofee  ©efdienfe  nicfyt  luenig. 

$ung'rig  rief  er  benen  311: 

,,@iebt  mir  S^rob  511  effcn!" 
@ie  reid^ten  iljm  ©olb 

Sr  foil's  nie  bergeffen. 


@ie  benteten  if)m  mit  bem  33eift>iele  an, 

®a§  er  S^ucijt  in  feinem  Sanb  f)abe 
Unb  tuenn  er  e§  gu  £aufe  I)a6en  fann 
don  fremb'n  Sanb  eine  @abe. 


er  fid)  bon  ber  ^nfel  entfernel 
er  auf  ben  £f)b'ren  gefd^rieben: 

^ab  id)  bon  {yrauen  gerernet 
Unb  bi§  fyent  id)  ein  Sfjor  geblieben. 


234 


ALEXANDER  THE  GREAT  AND  THE  AMAZONS. 


"More  so  if  we  the  victory  should  gain, 
And  woman's  arms  Alexander  defeat, 

How  of  such  affliction  wilt  bear  the  pain? 

And  where  to  hide  thy  shame  wilt  thou  retreat?1 

By  these  cunning  words  was  deeply  impressed, 
The  king  who  erst  but  on  conquest  was  bent, 

He  sailed  from  their  country  at  their  request, 
And  magnificent  gifts  to  them  he  sent. 

Whilst  visiting  them  he  asked  for  some  bread, 
He  felt  hunger's  pangs  and  desired  to  eat, 

They  handed  him  a  piece  of  gold  instead, 
With  a  great  moral  lesson  'twas  replete. 

With  moral  instruction  'twas  invested, 

Chiding  him,  who  in  his  own  land  had  all, 

For  seeking  strange  lands,  being  interested, 
In  others'  fruits   'gainst  humanity  call. 

Ere  he  left  the  isle,  to  his  land  returned,        / 
0  'er  its  gate  he  ordered  to  be  inscribed : 

"Wisdom  from  women  but  now  I  have  learned, 
My  actions  till  now  to  folly's  ascribed!" 


235 


Ser  redjtmofctge  @rDe. 

©abulun,  ein  reidjer  ®aufmann  im  2ftorgenlanb' 
$atte  nur  ben  einen  ©ofjn,  yiapfytali  gencnmt, 
2)er  toofjlgeratljen  unb  sugleid)  aud)  fyoffnung 
£rad)tete,  ba§  er  bie  ©tubi'n  fortfefcen  foK, 
Unb  ifjn  nad)  ^erujalem  t^at  and)  entfenben 
bie  9tabbtnat§fd)ule  bort  311  bollenben. 


ber  9tbfd)ieb§=9Koment  ftcflte  fid)  barnuf  ein 
SSater  unb  @oljn  fid)  umarmten  in  ein  ©etoein 
^a,  93on  traurigen  Silbern  ber  3ufunft  crfiiUt 
©id)  nimmer  311  fe^en  im  ^erjen  abgefpielt  ! 
Sebod)  bie  5£rennung§=@tunbe  Ijat  je^t  gefd)Iagen! 
2)er  Skater  iljat  iib'r  il)n  ben  @egen§fv>riid)  fagen. 


nod)  ^erufalem  angefommen, 
S)ort  er  nad)  feinem  33unfd)  feljr  gut  aufgenommen 
^ebod)  fein,  fdjon  gebeugter  SSater,  ber  ©reifc 
23rad)  jufammen  gleid)  nod)  nod)  feiner  SIbreife 
llnb  alle  Qr3tlid)e  STntnenbung  unb  3)?ittel 
^onnten  ifin  nid)t  me^r  retten  bom  Xobe§=9iittel. 

SSon  einigen  greunben  er  angerat^en  toarb, 
5Da§  er  Xeftament  foil  mad)en  im  ©egenluort 
©o  lange  ba§  i^m  nod)  fein  Semuftfein  erlaubt 
Unb  bie  grofee  @rbfd)aft  3U  orbnen  iiber^aupt. 
©omit  er  feinen  aHer  le^ten  5fu§fprud)  gab 
Ueber  fein  gelraltig  mad)tige§  ©ut  unb  $ab. 


236 


THE  LEGITIMATE  HEIR. 

Zabulon,  a  rich  merchant  of  the  Orient, 

Had  a  son,  Naftali,  a  youth  most  excellent, 

Who  promised  to  fulfill  his  father's  aspiration, 

Hence  he  p.anned  that  he  complete  his  education, 

And  sent  him  to  Jerusalem,  in  the  college, 

To  take  degn.«  of  Rabbi  with  proper  knowledge. 

When  the  bitter  time  of  parting  at  length  arrived, 
Father  and  son  feigned  cheerfulness, — but  were  deprived,- 
Of  joy,  by  visions  of-  the  future  which  oppressed, 
Bodings  that  this  was  last  parting,  their  minds  depressed, 
But  sharp 'struck  the  merciless  hour  they  had  to  part, 
The  father  blessed  his  beloved  son,  sad  at  heart. 

Naftali  reached  Jerusalem,  his  desired  goal, 

And  was  there  received  most  warmly,  with  heart  and  soul, 

Hut  his  father  who  was  now  \vell  stricken  in  years, 

Broke  down  and  thus  realized  his  parted  son's  fears; 

In  vain  was  human  aid,  'twas  powerless  to  save, 

The  life  of  that  stricken  man,  destined  for  the  grave. 

To  make  his  last  will  and  testament,  friends  advised, 
And  dispose  of  all  that  his  vast  fortune  comprised, 
So  long  as  his  mind  was  clear  and  intellect  reigned, 
That  his  will  might  be  accomplished,  his  act  sustained; 
He  solemnly  promised  them,   their  advice  to   take,     • 
And  his  last  will  and  testament  forthwith  to  make. 


237 


rcdjtmaftigc 


Gtnen  grofjen  Xljeil  feincr  @d)cifee  berfdjrieb  cr 
$u  tnoMtljcitigen  Stocrfen  geroibmet  bielmeljr, 
rti'tr  .ftranfeniiauier,  Xempcl  unb  ^elirani'taliien 
Dfjne  Unter)~d)ieb  bes  @Iaubcn§  e§  entlialteu 
Unb  aU  UiiilDerfalerbeu  crnauittc  er 
Sciitcn  ©flabcn  ,,®unuirn"  cin  Sffrtt'nncr. 


Siunora  nUetn  fci  ber  unbcfdjrcnftc 

"Sort  ctngejcgt  iibcr  afle§  al 

Wit  btcfer  em^ig'n  Mlaufcl  cntftnltcnb  jebod), 

Xas  feincm  Sof)n  9?opf)tali  geftattct  fet  nod) 

3?on  nEen  ^uriidfgebliebencn  ^crmogcn 

ftc^  cinen  ©egenitanb  311  toafjlen  ntogcn. 


Xeitaincnt  untrbe  bcfoorbJtrf)  befraftigt 
Son  ber  £)brigt'cit  nnfbctun()rt  unb  beftatttgt. 

cntfdjhunincrt  fitr  inuner  unb  emig! 
Wrabc  getragcit,  beftnttot  gctiorig 

ettc  feincr  Icingft  Ucrftorbcnen  Wattin 
So  imirbe  er  in  bie  Crrbe  gelegt  babin. 

Seinent  3ol)iic  umrb  bie  irauerfunbe  ertfjeilt, 
Too  join  ^ater  unter  Vebenben  nid){  mel)r  treilt 
Unb  bnc-  er  nod)  Hid  ntcljr  il)n  enterbt  Ijnben  foU 
Unb  il)it  fonft  giinjltd)  tierftofecn  in  feinent  0roH. 
Sor  Summer  unb  ®d^mer^  au  Robert  er  nieberfanf 
Unb  lag  bann  in  etner  O^nmodit  etnc  8^tt  lang. 


THE  LEGITIMATE  HEIR. 

A  part  of  his  fortune  to  charity  he  gave, 

For  all  things  that  the  instincts  of  kindness  could  crave, 

He  supplied  hospital,  college  and  temples  need, — 

Liberally,  regardless  of  race,  color  or  creed, 

And  the  rest  of  his  fortune,  all  that  he  did  save, 

He  bequeathed,  as  sole  heir,  to  his  African  slave! 

Yea!  Sumara,  his  slave  should  alone  be  the  heir, 
Installed  over  all  as  the  sole  proprietor, 
Besides  that  in  the  will,  there  was  another  clause. 
'Tis  all  strange,  unaccountable  and  makes  us  pause. 
"From  all  my  vast  fortune,"  in  the  will  we  peruse, 
"I  leave  my  son  but  one  object  which  he  can  choose." 

His  testament  was  verified  in  proper  form, 
With  all  of  the  law's  requirements  it  did  conform, 
In  the  last  mortal  sleep  Zebulon  closed  his  eyes, 
The  last  rites  o'er  his  remains  freinds  did  solemnize; 
At  the  side  of  his  beloved  wife  long  since  deceased, 
Was  laid  in  earth,  he,  from  the  cares  of  earth  released. 

Like  lightning  sped  the  sad  news  to  the  bereaved  son, 
Telling  him  that  his  father's  work  in  life  was  done, 
And  that  his  beloved  son  was  disinherited, 
Such  cruel  treatment  was  entirely  unmerited! 
Overcome  by  double  grief  to  the  ground  he  sank, 
The  earth  had  slipped  beneath*  his  feet  and  all  was  blank. 


2II§  er  fid)  erfyolt  Ijatte  bon  feiner  £)I)nmarf)t 
®a  !Io£fte  jemanb  an  fetner  £l)iire  fo  fadjt 
Unb  ftfye!  ber  $abbi,  fein  fie^rer  tretet  ein! 
(£r  ift  gefommen,  tfyn  ,,2>?enad^em  £)BeI"  fein. 
"  @ei  bu  getroftet  metn  t^eurer  @d)iiler  bieSmal 
llm  ben  Serluft  beine§  felig'n  58oter§  bielmall  " 

,,£>a§  mir  nun  metn  SSater  fo  gefcfyromb  Derfc^ieben 
2Sermag  trf)  je£t  faum  mtd^  311  faffen  fytmeben, 
er  aber  mid^  al§  etnen-eingigen  @o^n 
burrfjauS  gebracfyt  311  ©djanben  S^ott  unb 
S)a  er  mid)  bon  often  ganglid)  t^ot  enterben, 
3Bie  fann  id)  e§  ertrngen  fold)e§  S^erberben?  " 

,,3eige  mir  einmol  btefeS  ^unberteftament! 

id)  e§  bitrdjblicEen  mag  in  einen  foment. 
borlefenb  bic  2Borte,  unb  Inut  fprid^t: 
biefe§  XeftantenteS  ift  ja  nid)t 
5II§  ein  fel)r  erljobener  unb  M)rretd}cr 
Unb  and)  ein  in  fid)  tterborgener  reicfier 


biefem  ^laufel  liegt  nur  ein  reiner  SBerftanb': 
foflft  bir  toaljlcn  bod)  nur  oinen  ($egenftanb. 

bir  ba()er  bann  ctncn  tucfdjcn  immer 
Unb  bu  uiafjlft  bir  ben  ©flafen  ben  2Ifrifaner, 
Unb  bu  I)aft  fo  bann  nl§  $err  unb  fein  ©eBteter 
^ermogen  unb  oudo  cifte  feine  ©iiter/' 


THE  LEGITIMATE  HEIR. 

From  his  deep  unconsciousness  he  at  length  revived, 

There  was  a  knock  at  the  door  of  one  who  arrived, 

The  Rabbi,  his  kind  teacher,  came  in  to  console; 

His  poor,  mourning  disciple,  with  him  to  condole, 

"May  Heaven  send  thee  comfort,  though  thy  sorrow's  great! 

For  the  loss  of  thy  father, —  'tis  but  mortal's  fate." 

"Alas!  so  soon  of  rny  father  am  I  deprived, 

My  grief  is  great  but  natural,  I  could  have  survived, — 

But  to  have  disinherited  his  only  son ! 

Disgrace  me  thus  in  the  eyes  of  all — I'm  undone, 

He  has  disinherited  me — hath  left  me  bare, 

Such  deep,  overwhelming  disgrace,  how  can  I  bear?" 

"Just  show  me,  I  pray  thee,  thy  father's  testament^" 
The  Rabbi  just  gave  one  glance  at  the  document, 
Then  gently  said  to  the  mourner,  broken-hearted, 
"Knowest  what  in  this  testament  is  imparted? 
A  clause  that's  so  ingenious,  'tis  truly  sublime! 
A  treasure  of  instruction  to  the  end  of  time! 

Behold  the  little  clause  which  thou  mayest  peruse, 
One  object  is  bequeathed  thee  which  thou  mayest  choose, 
Chose  the  right  object  and  thy  fortune  thou  wilt  save, 
Knowest  thou  what  to  chose?  'tis  the  African  slave! 
Thou,  his  master,  his  fortune  is  at  thy  command, 
All  that  thy  father  has  left  comes  back  to  thy  hand. ' ' 


241 


Gr&c. 


,,^ft  benn  nidjt  fogar  nad)  einer  33ibelftette 

S)e§  £>errn  Grigentljum  ein  $eiben  8fIafgefeHe 

2>en  er  fammt  fein  ^adjfommen  fonft  bererben  fann? 

©omit  fjat  e§  betn  SSoter  aurf)  eigcnft  get^nn, 

®a  cr  bid^  im  ©tiibium  lnollt  (jaben  berfd)ont 

3?ctraut  er  ©umara  unb  nid]t  anber§  tfjim  fonnt." 


bor  ben  9iabbi  fnienb,  unb  fngt:  ad)! 
,,2)u  fiaft  mid)  bie§mal  gcrettct,  fd)aHenb  er 
Sebod)  itur  um  meiner  grofecn  (f^re  2BiHen 
Siirgt  biefe§  (fntrdtfeln  unb  biefe§  ©ntfjiillen 
Unb  giir  Siebe  meine§  feltg'n  ^ater§  bu  mid) 
@onft  guritdfii^ren  biefe§mal  t^ateft  formlid)." 
• 
S)er  9tabbi  emtofa^I  fid)  don  iljm  im  llmiDiinben 

,,©ott  trofte  bid)  unter  alien  Xrauerenben 
3ion§  unb  ^erufalemS  etuig  itnb  immer 
Unb  erbaue  alSbalb  beine  toiifte  Xriimmer!  " 
2tl§  breifeig  £rcmertage  iDaren  boriiber 
JRetft  9Ja^F)taIi  nod)  feiner  £eimot  T)inuber. 


2)ort  er  511  bent  SSermbgen  gelangt  mit  35er(tanb 
fommt  fo  bann  ruicber  unter  feiner  ^anb, 
©flafen  entfdiabigt  er  al§  einen  Seiter 
33ejdjenfte  i^n  reid)lid)  unb  fd)idfte  if)n  iueiter. 
©einem  Sefjrer  er  mit  reid^cn  ©aben  befdjenft 
Unb  lebte  bann  gliidlid)  bi§  in  e§  @rab  gefenft. 


242 


THE  LEGITIMATE  HEIR. 

"Dost  thou  not  know  of  the  citation  in  the  law? 
Tis  the  Torah's  decision,  pure,  without  a  flaw, — 
That  he  who  owns  a  heathen  slave  doth  own  his  all, 
"Whate'or  he  hath  or  may  possess,  whate'er  befall, 
Thy  father  wished  not  thy  studies  to  interrupt, 
The  slave  as  heir  was  the  best  means  he  could  adopt." 

Naftali  fell  at  the  Rabbi's  feet,  overcome 

By  feelings  of  gratitude — from  emotion,  dumb ! 

' '  Thou  hast  saved  me !  Thou  hast  saved  me ! "  at  length  he  cried, 

' '  From  the  depth  of  degradation  hast  saved  my  pride, 

For  my  saintly  father  my  love  thou  didst  restore, 

Undying  is  my  gratitude  f orevermore ! ' ' 

The  Rabbi  with  usual  blessing  took  his  leave, 

"May  the  Eternal  comfort  thee  with  those  who  grieve, 

For  Zion  and  Jerusalem  in  ruined  state! 

May  he  thy  happiness  speedily  reinstate!" 

When  the  thirty  days  of  mourning  had  passed  away, 

Naftali  returned  to  his  home  without  delay. 

There  he  came  lawfully  into  his  possession, 
To  his  entire  fortune  he  now  had  accession, 
The  slave  he  rewarded  with  rich  indemnity, 
Made  him  fine  presents  and  gave  him  his  liberty; 
His  teacher  he  repaid  with  gifts  munificent, 
And  in  greatest  happiness  all  his  life  he  spent. 


243 


Tie  unbcr|d)(ctcrtc  Xnmc. 


fiatte  fid)  eiuit  gngetrageti 

ie  fd)ouberf)afte  Wcfd)id)te 
einen  ^arbnrcn  fcin 
Hieiter  folnt  int 


bcit  ^citcn  U'o  fd)on 
^cod)  iciitcii  Stnat  Ijattc  reflicrt 
roftcr  (^clualt  ©lutrcn  nub  Cued' 
ialnuib  ocrlautct,  paffirt. 


S§  I)att'  Don  ben  ^ladjbarvuolfmi  t)iel 

3u  bitlbcn  imb  311  crtraiicu, 
@ic  Unirbcn  flcqitalt  ofinc 
(Jrbnnncn 


CrineS  Xogc§  gieng  cine  Same 
Unbcrfdjleiert  in  ben  ©trnffen 

@ie  bilbctc  cine  9(u§na()mc 
llntcr  if)ren 


To  fie  bie  fdjonfte  imb  IteBftc 
Sm  gonaen  Sanbe  getoefcn 

i^r  9Jame  bc^cidinet  genau 
SiMe  man  biefen  tf)ot  auflofen: 


244 


THE  UNVEILED  LADY. 


It  occurred,  this  terrible  story, 

This  drama  of  blood  and  of  shame, 

This  act  of  barbarian  gory, 
This  apotheosis  of  ill-fame. 

In  the  time  when  Israel,  sinful, 
When  Israel,  although  in  his  land, 

Yet  drank  of  the  cup  that  was  brimful, 
With  persecution  from  stranger's  hand. 

From  strangers  in  feeling,  though  neighbors, 
The  afflictions  they  bore  were  extreme, 

They  poisoned  their  joys  and  their  labors, 
Of  compassion  their  foes  did  not  dream. 

"One  day,"  'tis  the  Talmud  relating, 

Without  a  veil  she  walked  through  the  street, 

It  was  then  a  bold  promenading, 
And  for  a  Jewess  most  indiscreet. 

Beautiful  she  was,  and  surpassing, 

All  her  fair  sex  in  the  Orient, 
Beauties  they  were,  too,  but  not  classing, 

With  her  dazzling  beauty,  transcendent. 


245 


Tic  mttoerfdjletcrtc  Xante. 


meint:  afle§  fdjaute  fie  an 
23eobad)tet  ifyre  @d)onf)eit 
Gr§  ergofcte  fief)  aHe3  tiortan 
@d)on  in  ifyrer  SIntoefenfyeit. 

S)e§  §oljen{mefter§~£od)ter  fie  mar 

,,^enu'I"  fein  miirbiger  9fiame, 
©er  Opfer  barjubringeu  ^flegt  gar 


Somit  tnar  e£  and)  fein  timber  nief)r 
28enn  fie  ^enianb  am  Sc^ritt  Ucrfolgt, 

3tl§  fid^  aurf)  erlaubt  Ijat  ein  ©aimer 
Unb  i^r  nadjgefe^t  unb  gefolgt. 

llnbcmerft  er  fie  Ijaftig  gepacft 

llnb  fit^rt  fie  mit  fid)  gefangen, 

SBom  3erren  unb  ^Ringen  bleibt  fie  naft 

SSalbe  iljot  er  gelangen. 


SDort  cr  fie  fdjanbet  bie  ganje  9?cid)t 

Oljne  Srbarmen  311  geiualjr'n 
9Son  tiielen  ^eintgen  fie  t»erfcf)mad)t, 

boaj  fort  ©etnalt  of»n'  311  ftorn. 


246 


THE  UNVEILED  LADY. 


"Zofnoth"  was  her  name  of  sweet  calling, 
Sweet  as  music  to  those  who  beheld. 

Enraptured  her  beauty  enthralling, 
Then  unequalled  and  never  excelled. 

Daughter  of  a  high-priest  annointed, 

"Penuel"  was  his  revered  name, 
Over  the  sacrifice  appointed, 

O'er  the  Holy  Shrine  and  sacred  flame! 

What  wonder  if  a  gaze  unholy, 

Upon  her  charms,  passion  did  incite, 

His  heart  aflame  with  hell-fire  solely 

He  dogged  her  foot-steps  by  day  and  night. 

And  sudden  he  pounced  on  the  beauty, 
To  the  lonely  woods  he  dragged  the  fair, 

Who  struggled  e'en  more  than  her  duty, 
She  struggled  till  all  her  robes  did  tear. 

A  horrible  night  of  ill-using, 

When  he  glutted  his  passionate  fire, 

No  compassion  to  quell  th'  abusing, 
Till  cloyed  was  his  devilish  desire. 


247 


untoerfrf)Ietetie  Same. 


8d)lt)armerifd)  gieng  bie  9Jad)t  boriiber, 
936feft)id)t  nafmt  bie  33eute 
fie  gefangen  ^tniiber 
Sim  SP^arft  gum  23erfauf  fiir  Scute. 

@^  fteflte  fid)  aud)  balb  ein  Warm  ein 
SSon  befonberer  §aBlic^feit, 

S)er  meljr  geglic^en  git  einem 
Cber  gur  3Iffen=9?Qff'=©(i)on^eit. 


2)en  ^Berfciufer  er  befragt 

SBarum  er  bie  ©efang'ne  bod) 
Sefleibet  fjatte  gar  fiebenfad) 

Unb  i^r  ©efid^t  berljMt  and) 


,,%a,  bie  fdjonfte  S^au  auf  biefer  SSelt 
^ft  biefe  ^ubenbeute  I)ier, 

6ine  fd^one  grofee  (Summe  ©elb 
(Sott  fie  nadjfyer  einbringen  mir." 


SDiefer  abidjeulid) 

®o  toilb  gereigt  QU§  9Jeugierbe 
SSottt  bom  SSertlje  nid^t  roiffen  gefri^dtjt 

SBottt  nur  entblofeen  bie  3ierbe. 


248 


THE  UNVEILED  LADY. 


Like  a  nightmare,  the  night  was  passing, 
The  fair  crushed  flower  lay  like  one  dead, 

The  heathen  with  vileness  surpassing, 
To  the  slave-market  his  victim  led. 

Ill  chance  brought  unto  that  slave  station, 
The  most  monstrous  being  e'er  was  seen, 

Swine-like  in  form  and  deformation, 

The  vile  heathen  gazed  at  beauty's  queen. 

He  asked  why  the  slave's  face  was  hidden, 
Underneath  such  a  covering  thick, 

How  see  for  what  was  to  be  bidden, 
Or  know  if  that  is  the  slave  to  pick? 

"The  most  beautiful  woman  living, 
Is  this  Jewess,  thou  seest,  my  prize, 

And  a  good  round  sum  will  be  giving, 
Whoever  upon  her  will  set  eyes. 

This  vilest  of  hideous  creatures, 

His  curiosity  now  quite  keen, 
Desired  to  uncover  her  features, 

The  vaunted  features  of  beauty's  queen. 


249 


ie  un&erfdjfcicrte  £amc. 


,,<£ntfdjleiere  tfjr  IjoIbeS  ©eftrfjt! 

©o  h)tH  id)  fie  fcmfen  hrie  frii^'r, 
SBiHft  bit  Ijingegen  aud)  biefe§  nidjt 
^  (Sert)alt  braudjen  ijier!  " 


,,3tuf  meine  SBerfidjerung  geftiifct 
Sft  fie  ba§  rt)id)tigfte  2Befen, 

blinblingS  iinb  ne^me  fie  ifct 
©onft  fnnnft  bu  fie  iticfjt  nuSlofen." 


F)afelid),  rofje,  luilbe  ©eftallt 

bon  feiner  ^raft  @e6raud): 
rife  fie  mit  griifelid)er  ©elralt 

SSergelualtigung  unb  9Wi§braud). 


3errte  fie  bann  im  ^ote 

Unb  bort  I)at  er  fie  gefdjdnbet, 

93i§  and)  if)re  gnnge  ^raft  luar  um 
Unb  fo  if)r  Scben  geenbet. 

9cnn  biefe§  So§  ttwrbe  ifjr  beftimmt 
28eil  fie  unberfd)Iciert  fonft  gieng 
SSoburd)  banner  fiinbigten  gefd)rt)inb 

SBinf! 


250 


THE  UNVEILED  LADY. 


"Let  me  behold  my  lady  charming. 

And  if  she's  so,  the  price  I  will  pay, 
Show  me  her  or  I  will  be  harming, 

Whoever  will  dare  to  say  me  nay." 

"Believe  me  when  thee  I'm  assuring, 
That  she's  as  beautiful  as  a  dream, 

Buy  blindly  thou  wilt  be  securing, 

The  prize  that  later  canst  not  redeem." 

The  ugly  gorilla-like  devil, 

Of  his  terrible  strength  now  made  use, 
He  pressed  her  to  his  heart  of  evil, 

To  assault  her  and  vilely  abuse. 

In  his  lust  he  dragged  her  through  the  mire, 
Ravished  her  till  her  strength  was  all  spent, 

Till  consumed  through  his  hellish  desire, 
To  her  dishonored  life  came  an  end. 

This  was  her  sad  fate  for  thus  daring, 
Unveiled  through  the  streets  to  promenade, 

For  men's  sinful  eyes  to  be  staring, 
Therefore  thus  by  God  was  she  repaid. 


251 


cined 


@3  tear  einmal  etn  Berufymter  ®onig, 
Sr  rcgierte  fein  2SoI!  Brat)  unb  geredjt 

Unb  ba£  SSoIf  IteBte  i^n  be^^olb  innig. 
2>iefer  tuarb  einft  erfranft  unb  fii^Ite  frfjledjt. 


tiid)tig[ten  Stergte  be§  SanbeS  bort 
llnb  bte  giirforge  feiner  ©tenerfdjaft 
^onnten  i^m  nid)f  $tlfe  sufiifjrcn  fort 

Unb  inurbe  nadjljer  fefir  fd)UiQd)  unb  franff)aft. 


Iie§  fogar  anorbnen  unb  fommen 
au§  ben  entfernteften  Sanbern 
SDod)  and)  biefe  erFIdrten  beflommen, 
Sa§  menfd^Iidje  ^ilfe  c§  nidjt  anbern. 


ber  ^auptftobt  afte  9Wcnfd)en  Betriibt 

reid)  Bi§  arm,  jung  unb  alt,  grofj  unb  flcin 
il)n  alle§  fo  innig  geliebt 
Unb  nid)t  minbcr  gugetfjan  attgemein. 

GineS  £age§  erfd)ien  ein  frember  33au'r 

vin  ber  ^auptftabt  ganj  einfad)  jugereift 
©r  fragt  ben  SSirt,  bie  Urfadje  ber  ^rau'r, 
kronen  erluiberte  biefer  breift: 


252 


THE  HAPPY   MAN'S  SHIRT. 


A  famous  king,  whose  fame  was  built  on  love, 
Thw  love  of  subjects  by  his  justice  won, 

Whose  goodness  was  prized  all  else  above, 
Was  once  by  severe  sickness  all  undone. 

Skillful  physicians,  the  best  iu  the  land, 

With  the  greatest  haste  ^o  the  king  were  called. 

A  world  of  medicine  at  their  command,  . 
But  all  in  vain, —  the  doctors  were  appaled. 

To  foreign  lands  for  physicians  they  sent, 

For  greatest  specialists,  whose  fame  world-wide, 

Guaranteed  success  wherever  they  went, — 
They  could  do  nothing  after  all  they  tried. 

The  capital  city  was  plunged  in  gloom, 

Sorrow  was  universal  and  sincere, 
In  the  king's  sickness  each  one  saw  his  doom, 

For  the  king  was  to  all  so  very  dear. 

One  day  a  peasant  came  to  the  city, 
An  ordinary  traveler,  strange  to  all, 

He  saw  the  sadness  of  all  with  pity, 
And  asked  his  host  what  trouble  did  befall. 


253 


ctncsi 


,,Unfer  geliebtcr  ®omg  i[t  fel)u  frauf 

llnb  iiicntanb  auf  Grbcn  fnnn  i()it  vcttcu, 
(%ofu'  '"•Mofnnmg  itnb  Ijcr^iidjcn  Taut' 
bio,  bte  cin  Wittcl  fitr  ifjn  I)iittcu." 


,,'vxsd)  bin  jluar  fciu  5trgt,  nud)  nid)t  lion 
s^in  jebod)  fo  311  fngen  erral)rcn  " 

Grtnibert  bcr  grembe,"  g«  bicfem  ik'Ijitf 
gifletdjt  fonn  id)  cin  $?ittcl  anpoorcn." 


an§  ^ranfcnlafjer  (jtn 
Unb  bcr  ®6nig  er^iifjlt  if^ni  ben  llntftonb, 
(Spnnncnb  crinortctcn  bic  3Jftnift'r  brin 

d)  be§  S^anncS  bom  frcmbcn  2nnb. 


,ih-and)()cit  ift  nid)t  fo 
SBerfdjnfft  Gud)  nur  ba§  $cmb  cincr 

fcin  3iUtnfd),  unb  iljm  allc§  cntbcfirltd); 
<So  ber  ^b'nig  c§  tragt,  bic§  I)ilft  iljm  fdjon. 


trcu'n  ©iener  fitd)t'n  im  gaiycn  Sanbe 
SSergebenS  nad)  ob'n  einen  foldjcn  Wann 
£)ber  nod)  foldiem  §emb  unb  (^etoanbc, 
®a§  e§  i^rcm  2Bimjd)e  entipredjeu  fann. 


254 


THE  HAPPY  MAN'S  SHIRT. 


"Our  king  whom  we  all  love  is  very  ill, 

Arid  no  one  in  the  world  can  make  him  well, 

He  who  will  cure  him  his  coffers  he'll  fill, 
With  a  treasure  as  great  as  tongue  can  tell." 

"I  am  not  a  doctor,"  the  peasant  said, 

"Yet  worldly  experience  I  possess, 
I  think  if  you  will  take  me  to  his  bed, 

I  may  relieve  the  king  of  his  distress." 

To  the  sick  man's  room  he  was  quickly  led, 
His  ailment  the  king  minutely  described, 

His  anxious  ministers  stood  round  the  bed, 
Gaping,  but  the  stranger  nothing  prescribed. 

"The  nature  of  the  sickness  is  not  grave, 
Just  procure  the  king  a  happy  man's  shirt, 

A  happy  man  who  has  naught  left  to  crave, 
Whom  the  sharp  stings  of  fate  can  never  hurt." 

The  faithful  ministers  set  out  to  find, 

The  happy  man's  shin  that  the  king  must  wear, 
But  the  king  was  pursued  by  fate  unkind, 

They  could  not  procure  that  shirt  anywhere. 


255 


cine?  Wlitrflidjcn. 


2)ic  SWinift'r  mad)ten  fid)  auf  bie  fteife 

Sic  luottten  fo  lang'  fudjen  unb  faenben, 
Wv  fie  in  einer  bernrtin'n  5Keifc 

fold)en  GliuflidHMt  Wniut  fcinben. 


5ie  rciftcit  fort  bon  Stabt  (^it  ©tabt 

(frfunbigtcn  fid)  iibcrnH 
•Db  jeninnb  ein  fold)e§  ^enib  Fjat; 

£)6  er  gliicflid)  ift  alumni. 

^erfonen  gliidflid)  ganj  unb  gar 
ganben  fie  ba  inn  feinen  $Jket§, 

Ta  ntandjcr  geljeimcr  SSunfdj  frar, 
^aS  gc^iubcrt  i^r  Scben§rt)ei§. 

Hub  fo  reiftcn  fie  ^atjrelnng  umljer 
1  £)l)no  i^ren  Qtvcd  crreidjt  31:  Ijaben 
XroftloS  tratcn  fie  ben  StiicftDeg  an 

Unb  tfyat'n  im  S5?alb  raften  unb  fid)  labcit. 


bernarjmen  fie  lauten  ©efang 
33?enfd:)en  cm§  einem  @ebiifd)e: 
unb  gIMlid)  bin  id),  @ott  fei  e§  S)anf 
auf  @rb'n  of»ne  28iinfd)e! 


256 


THE  HAPPY  MAN'S  SHIRT. 


In  their  own  country  there  was  not  the  man, 
Who  could  say  he  was  happy  all  the  time. 

They  therefore  decided  'twas  the  best  plan, 
To  search  in  every  land,  in  every  clime. 

Thus  they  traveled  from  city  to  city, 

Seeking  high  and  low  wherever  they  went, 

Asking  of  all,  whether  grave  or  witty, 
If  he  was  always  happy  and  content. 

But  from  constant  happiness  all  were  barred, 
They  could  not  find  that  man  at  any  price, 

Some  desire  unattained  it  was  that  marred, 
The  constant  happiness  of  paradise. 

Years  their  seemingly  futile  search  consumed, 
With  not  the  slightest  vestige  of  success. 

Turning  back,  they  rested  ere  they  resumed 
Their  travels,  for  they  were  tired  to  excess. 

Resting  in  the  woods  they  suddenly  heard 
The  most  joyful  song  that  they  e'er  did  hear, 

' '  Thank  God  I  am  happy !  free  as  a  bird, 
Free  from  discontent,  naught  to  make  me  fear." 


257 


einc*  ($ttt<flidjen. 


SBer  farm  fid)  dorfteflen  unb  empfinbcn 
2)iefe  lleberrafdjung  ber  20?inifter: 

,,@oHten  fair  am  Gmbe  bod)  nod)  finben 
3)a3  teure  §emb?  "  fi'Ofltcn  fie  fid),  bitfter. 


brangcn  fie  in  ba§  2>iilic^t  em 
©ie  fanben  unter  ber  grofeen  Std)e 

einer  ^iitte  einerralt'n  2>?onn  fcin, 
Sort  fafe  toie  ein  giirft  in  fcinem  sJleid)c. 


bu  ber  9}Jann,  ber  bort  gefungen  ^at 
llnb  fid)  fo  iiberaus  gliidlid)  gefiif»It?  " 
a,  ber  bin  id),  nnb  fein  giirft  in  ber  SCfjat 
mir  gleidjen,  iro^in  er  imtner 


luofjl,  berfefct  einer  ber 
25onn  Derfanfc  unb  gib  un§  bein 
ir  unfern  guten  ®6nig,  id)'§  bringe, 
SBeldjer  fo  geftifyrlid)  fronf  liegt  immer! 


Senn  nnffe,  nur  ba§  $>entb  ein'S 

^Tann  unb  hiirb  i^n  ttrieber  gefunb  madjen, 
2)ein  2o^n  foil  bafiir  fein  im  3BirfIid)en 

©olb,  ©ilber,  ©liter  nnb  aubre  ©adjen." 


258 


THE  HAPPY  MAN'S  SHIRT. 


The  ministers  listened  with  glad  surprise, 

Could  their  search  have  been  rewarded  at  last? 

Their  one  great  hope  did  they  now  realize, 
To  obtain  that  shirt  after  all  that  passed? 

In  high  spirits  through  the  thicket  they  went, 
And  found  sititng  'neath  a  large  shady  tree, 

An  old  man  whose  small  hut  wras  adjacent, 
Sitting  as  though  lord  of  all  he  did  see. 

''Art  thou  the  man  who  sang  in  such  a  strain, 
Of  real  happiness,  genuine  content?" 

''That  I  am,  and  no  prince  in  his  domain 
Can  boast  of  happiness  so  permanent!" 

' '  Well  then  ! ' '  one  of  the  courtiers  exclaimed, 
"Sell  us  thy  shirt,  my  man,  we'll  pay  thee  well, 

Our  king  is  so  sick,  the  good  and  well-famed, 
And  thy  shirt  his  sickness  will  soon  dispell. 

For  know  thou  the  shirt  of  a  happy  man 

Is  the  only  remedy  for  our  king, 
From  this  moment  thy  good  fortune  began, 

We'll  give  thce  gold  and  every  precious  thing." 


259 


,,5D?eht  $emb?  fdjrte  ber  ornte  2Hte, 

v,d)  babe  bod)  gar  fein  ^emb, 
9Infprudi§Io§  id)  lualt'  inib  fd)alte, 
ilebrtgc  tft  mtr  frcmb." 


93ou  biefer  Slnttoort  betroffen 
SMjrten  fie  banu  betriibt  juriidf, 

$erid)ten  bem  S?onig  offen 
SQ§  fie  erfuljren  iibcr  &IM. 

Se§  alten  2>ianne§  ©efdjtdjtc 

(Sab  bem  Stb'ntg  niel  311  ben!cu, 
jHidjtct  fein  Seb'n  nad)  Seriditc 

80  einfad)  ein  rnit  S3cfd)ranfcit. 

Seine  33ebiirfniffc  er  angeftrcbt 

2(uf  ba§  all'r  fleinftc  WaaJ  (^t  befdjranfcu 
Hub  untrbe  gefunb  nnb  bat  fortgelebt 

iic'§  nur  311  benfcn. 


260 


THE  HAPPY  MAN'S  SHIRT . 


"My  shirt?"  cried  the  happy  Sage  of  the  woods, 
"I  have  no  shirt,  for  I  do  not  wear  it, 

I  have  no  claim  on  the  world  and  its  goods, 
And  if  I  have  it  not,  I  can  spare  it." 

Struck  by  the  happy  Sage's  answer  unique, 
To  their  city  in  sadness  they  returned, 

They  called  upon  the  king  who  still  was  sick, 
And  related  to  him  all  they  had  learned. 

O'er  the  old  man's  words  long  pondered  the  king, 

In  his  tale  he  was  much  interested, 
He  guessed  frugality  healing  would  bring, 

Of  his  luxuries  to  be  divested. 

His  necessities,  too,  he  caused  to  shrink, 

To  a  proportionately  small  degree, 
Became  healthy  and  strong,  could  eat  and  drink, 

And  lived  to  ripe  old  age,  from  sickness  free. 


261 


luctfc  ffin&fct  nnb  bcr  $Ijttofojjfj. 


grid)ijd)e  SMttueife,  Wonie  nnbefnnnt, 
S)er  feincit  ©Jjafj  itnb  bclnjtignng  bctrin  fanb 
©ie  Stalhtiibifien  ntit  SeligtonSfrageji 

311  bejtinnen  nnb  fie  innner  plcigen. 
eincm  JWobbi  cr  cincv  Jaiic^  jo  jpradj: 
$anblunfl§mcijc  bcineS  licbcn  @otte§  nnd) 
mir,  jo  ,yi  janon,  nnino'alidi  iiefnllen 
cr  jid)  bcr  li-ijcrtnillc  i'tbcr  Illicit! 


men  n  bein  Wott  jo  aUnuiditifl  nnb  jo  grojs  jprid)t 
SBarum  bernid)tet  er  bit1  jreinben  hotter  nid)t?  " 
®arauf  tl)at  il)in  bcr  J)hibbi  ontiuorten,  namltd): 
,,(5inen  viiinger  bcr  2Sei*(K'it  tfinjt  bit  nenncn  bid)? 
SBciljrenb  in  bcincn  Morten  nnb  iin  ^erlialten 
S^eber  cine  (r  injid)t  nod)  ^erjtanb  entl)altcn.  . 
SDaljer  id)  bir  aud)  ctlua§  crsdfjlcn  mage 
$n  tucldicni  nieinc  trijtigc  9fntuiort  Inge:     . 

„©§  lebtc  ein  gutcr  ^onig  im  Worgcnlnnb' 
$att'  ein  en  einjig'n  ©ofjn,  tnar  jeine  red)tc  ,<pnnb 
(Jr  licbte  ifjn  and)  mit  ganger  ©eele  innig, 
Stuf  befj'n  Slu§bilbimg  er  geo^jert  nid)t  rtcnig, 
28ar  ber  @o()n  bennod)  ungeratfjen  geblieben, 
SBnrbe  taglid)  jd)Ied)ter  nnb  t^at  33oje§  itbcn, 
jeinem  3?nter,  franfte  tfnt  nid)t  menig, 
er  ftet§  jein  bert)ajte§  53ilb  nannte 


262 


THE  WISE  RABBI  AND  THE  PHILOSOPHER. 

A  Grecian  philosopher,  whose  name  is  unkomvn. 
Found  sport  in  debating  in  a  jocular  tone, 
With  the  Talmudists  concerning  religious  themes, 
To  harass  and  vex  them  he  would  e'er  devise  schemes, 
Thus  with  a  certain  Rabbi,  he  argued  one  day, 
"Since  your  God's  jealous  of  his  honor  as  ye  say, 
Then  why  do  not  his  actions  verify  his  fame? 
I  see  naught  of  his  jealousy  of  great  acclaim. 

Now  it'  your  God  is  so  all  powerful  and  great, 
Why  does  He  not  all  the  strange  gods  annihilate?" 
Thereupon  the  Rabbi  answered  calm  and  serene, 
"Thou  callest  thyself  wise  philosopher,  I  ween! 
Whereas  in  thy  words  there's  neither  wisdom  nor  sense, 
To  which  thou  so  unrighteously  layest  pretence, 
I'll  tell  thee  a  story  which  an  answer  will  be 
A  most  excellent  answer  therein  thou  wilt  see: 

"A  great  and  good  king  once  lived  in  the  Orient, 

Who  had  an  only  son  for  whom  his  sentiment 

Of  parental  love  was  overpow'ring  intense, 

To  teach  him  he  spared  neither  labor  nor  expense, 

Yet  neither  love  nor  education  could  redeem, 

The  vileness  of  his  son's  nature  which  reigned  supreme, 

That  vileness  daily  grew,  to  which  he  e'er  did  cling, 

At  last  to  spite  his  father,  called  his  portrait  King!" 


263 


toctfe  9fa&&i  iinb  bcr 


9?un,  Ijier,  al§  G^renderletjung  feincr  SWajeftat 
2)ort  al§  barmljeraiger  SSater  cr  bennod)  ftefjt, 
Ueber  einen  bon  93eiben  mufote  bann  ber  3orn 
$e§  gefranften  ^ater»  losftedfyen  mie  ein  2)orn. 
©omit  frage  irf)  bid),  al§  SBelttueijen  unb  @ei|t 
2Sen  foK  bie  Strafe  efyer  Betreffen  gu  metft? 
S)a§  berfjafete  Silb  bort  rt)eld)c§  Ijangt  aiif  bem 
Dber  ben  pflirfjtDergeffenen,  treulofen 


,,5)eine  auSgebe^nte  3(ntttiort  ift 

Grftiiberte  ber  ^Jjilofob^  fo  fefyr 

@ie  ift  bod)  nirfjt  r)tnretd)enb  um  meiue  grage 

3u  toiberlegen,  beutlid)  bu  e»  mir  fage!  " 

,,9iun  toenn  btr  btefe§  Seifbiel  nidjt  tfiut  geniigen 

SSiH  id)  ba^er  bir  ein  2tnbere§  beifiigen: 

SBenn  nun  ^emanb  fid)  e§  erlaubt,  unb  SSetjen  ftiefjlt 

llm  bonn  feinen  Slrfer  3u  befcien  abjielt 

©ollten  bie  gefaeten  5^6rnlein  be§rt)egen 
^n  ber  Grrbe  brin  nid)t  2Bur3cI  faff  en  mogen? 
Unb  jur  fegenSreidjen  5rud)t  nid)t  red)t  auffdjiefeen, 
2SeiI  bie  Gngentfjihner  biebfta^I  in  fid)  frfjliefcen? 
S^ein,  bie  S^atur  ift  nid)t  ge^emmt  in  ^fjun  unb  Saff'n 
llnb  ber  Sicb  rt)irb  beftraft  Don  ben  @efe^e§=^Iaff'n. 
Ceben  fo  gel)t'§  mit  ben  SWcnfdjen,  bie  derle^en 
fonft  in  iljrer  X^orfieit  bienen  bie  ©b'^en. 


264 


THE  WISE  EABBI  AND  THE  PHILOSOPHER. 

"The  father,  as  king,  his  dignity  must  avenge, 
Though  as  merciful  father  he  cannot  revenge, 
Yet  on  one  or  the  other  the  king's  wrath  must  fall, 
His  offended  majesty  dare  not  pardon  all! 
Therefore  I  ask  thee  as  philosopher  and  Sage, 
Which  of  the  offenders  shall  suffer  from  his  rage, 
That  hateful  portrait  that  is  hanging  o'er  his  throne, 
Or  that  basely  undutiful  and  faithless  son?" 

"Though  thy  long-winded  answer  is  very  witty," 

Retorted  the  philosopher,  "  'tis  a  pity, 

That  it  answers  not  fully  my  question  to  the*, 

Canst  thou  not  explain  it  more  clearly  to  me?' 

"Well,  if  this  example  for  thee  does  not  suffice, 

I'll  give  an  example  of  another  device — 

If  one  dared  to  steal  wheat  with  an  object  in  view, 

To  sow  his  field  therewith,  what  shall  the  wrong  wheat  do  1 

e 

Shall  the  wheat  that  was  sown,  on  that  account  not  grow  ? 
Not  take  root  in  the  earth,  nor  productiveness  show, 
Of  its  blessed  fruit  in  accordance  with  nature's  plan, 
Simply  because  'twas  stolen  by  a  thievish  man? 
Oh,  no!  Nature  in  its  working  is  not  confined— 
The  thief  will  get  his  just  deserts  from  human-kind, 
Thus  it  is  when  the  people  transgress  laws  divine, 
And  in  their  folly  worship  at  the  idol's  shrine. 


265 


toeifc  9?ab&t  nub  bcr  s}>ljUofoj)Ij. 


23itrben  biefe  fold)e  ©otter  fonft  bere^ren, 
2£eld)e  nid)t  3itm  SSoljIe  ber  Wefammt()eit 
So  toiirbe  @ott  biefelben  gemiB  auflofen, 
3)a  fie  aber  fonft  alfe  nihjlidic  ^efcny 
Tie  notl)iDenbtg  sum  58cftanb  iiottlid)  uerclircit 
WitRte  @ott  ber  iRnrur  luenen  fie  entbeliren, 
2ein  er^aLu'iicc-  ^erf  ganj  311  Wnmbe  riditen! 
Tic  ^elt  tint  ifir  Wanfl  unb  9?arr'u  JRed)enfrf)aft 


,,^a,  nur  nod)  etnc  fti'ciQC  crlaubc  id)  mir 
S)iefe§mal  311  ftcUeu  unb  311  riditen  an  bir: 
^nbem  e§  fo  Ijeifet  in  ©nrcn  ^e()ri]e]"d)id)toii: 
SSenn  bie  @cfamtf)eit  in  ben  s.Vccinniui5-?fnfid)ten 
9?id)t  3itr  ^ereiniciuiui  fonnncn  fonncn  Inelinal 
@o  rid)tet  fid)  nad)  ber  Weiuie,  bie 
9hm  bie  £eiben  iibertreffen  (iutd)  an  ber 
©omit  aiebt  ifir  ben  ©o'rtern  ben  35or3iu]  einmal!  " 

®er  toeife  9iabbi  on  ifym  je^t  ftellt  bie  grage: 
,,$at  bid)  @ott  oud)  mit  ®inber  gefegnet?  fage!" 
"  ^a,  id)  rjabe  fogar  Diele  Slinber  31:  !gau§> 
Stntoortet  ber  $eibe  mit  <3d)merfc,  Summer  garau 
2)ie  fogar  bent  ©djeine  nad)  in  %ueben  leben 
Sobalb  fie  bod)  sum  ©ebete  fid)  begeben 
Siebt  fid)  funb  eine  befonb're  3errittung  bann 
Giner  ruft  Jupiter'  ber  SInbre  ,^eptun'  an. 


THE  WISE  RABBI  AND  THE  PHILOSOPHER. 

If  the  idols  that  these  creatures  worshipped  were  such 
That  with  human  well-being  they  came  not  in  touch, 
Those  idolatrous  objects  God  would  then  destroy, 
But  inasmuch  as  these  things  constitute  man's  joy, 
And  he  thanks  God  for  placing  them  at  his  command, 
God  would  not  overthrow  Nature's  system  so  grand, 
Shall  II is  great  work  for  the  sake  of  fools  go  for  r. aught? 
The  world  pursues  its  course  and  the  fools  will  be  taught." 

"  'Tis  so!  but  one  more  question  allow  me  to  ask. 

And  kindly  excuse  me  for  taking  you  to  task, 

Now  inasmuch  as  by  your  law  it  is  decreed, 

That  when  the  judges  of  a  case  have  not  agreed. 

Then  it  is  decided  by  the  majority, 

Whatever  the  opinions  of  the  few  may  be; 

Now  the  heathens  by  millions  outnumber  your  race, 

Hence  you  ought  to  accept  their  idols  with  good  grace." 

The  wise  Rabbi  for  answer  this  question  addressed: 
"Tell  me,  O  philosopher,  art  thou  with  children  blessed?" 
"Yes,  I  have  quite  a  number  of  children  at  home," 
Answered  the  heathen  whilst  his  brow  clouded  with  gloom, 
"Who  apparently  live  in  peace  and  harmony, 
Until  their  various  Gods  bring  infelicity, 
For  one  worships  Jupiter,  another  the  moon, 
Whilst  the  third  one  addresses  his  prayers  to  Neptune. 


2ti7 


toetfc  SKabbt  itnb  bcr 


Gin  jeber  tr>itt  feinen  Sruber  in  2)rang 
@eft>altfam  gtoingen  in  £aber  unb 
®eine  Grintradjt,  fciit  Jvriebe  line  Sitte 
vxsii  meinem  £aufe  unb  tfyrer  Wittel  " 
,,Unb  bu  al§  33atcr  bet  fold) 
3?ift  nid)t  imftanbe  fie  au^ 
,,SBoffer  unb  geu'r  Icifet  fid)  Dereinigen 
iljre  9J?einung  nid)t  befrfjleinigen." 


foil  bir  oben  3iir  ^ntmort  bienen: 
6ine  SWefyrjaf)!,  bie  in  ifjren  SKienen 
®er  Religion  fo  jerfplittert  finb 
3SerIiert  jebe  ^raft  al§  ein  fleine»  ^inb 
lleber  bie  2)?inberja^I  beren  ©lieber 
Sltte  nad)  einem  Siel  ftreben  lin'eber. 
2Bir  ^siiben  finb  iwnig,  finb  nut  ein  3pott, 
©inb  ab'r  einig  unb  Ijab'n  nnr  einen  (^iott! 

SSoIIt  Sfyr  aber  gegen  un§  figreid)  fein 
5>?it  Gner  9)?QJoritQt§redit  fid)  freit'n, 
2)Hiften  bann  alle  einjelne  (Slieber 
©id)  je  fritter  bereinigen  toieber, 
©onft  finb  luir  bie  au§ertt>tif)Iten  ^inber 
Unb  bilb'n  in  ber  SBelt  ein  S^uft'r  nid)t  tninber, 
93i§  fonft  jene  3^it  foil  unb  Uiirb  fommen, 
affe§  ©oit  roirb  ^eifeen  millf  onrmen  !  " 


268 


THE  WISE  RABBI  AND  THE  PHILOSOPHER. 

Each  wants  to  force  his  convictions  on  the  other, 
Thus  raising  the  hand  of  brother  against  brother, 
Xo  considerations  for  each  other's  belief, 
When  they  assemble  at  my  house,  peace  comes  to  grief." 
''And  thou,  as  their  father,  in  their  time  of  discord, 
Art  thou  not  able  to  bring  them  all  in  accord?" 
"Water  and  fire  may  be  made  to  mingle  with  ease, 
But  the  clash  of  their  opinions  never  will  cease." 

"As  an  all  sufficient  answer  thy  words  shall  serve, 

As  majority  whose  opinions  e'er  will  swerve 

From  the  path  of  unity  cannot  have  the  right 

To  claim  that  because  of  their  mimbers  they  have  might, 

To  force  their  opinions  on  the  minority, 

Since  naught  but  dissention  in  their  ranks  thou  canst  see, 

We  Jews  are  but  few  in  numbers,  despised  and  odd, 

In  our  faith  we  are,  united  and  have  one  God ! 

However,  if  against  us  you  wish  to  succeed, 
As  a  great  majority  let  all  be  agreed 
On  one  form  of  worship  that  no  rupture  there  be, 
Amongst  your  large  numbers  to  mar  your  harmony, 
Otherwise,  behold  us,  the  truly  chosen  race, 
Who  in  the  world's  ranks  occupy  the  highest  place, 
Though  now  you  confess  it  not  there  will  come  the  day, 
That  is — when  all  the  nations  to  one  God  will  pray. 


269 


SUtenlefjre. 


33enetbe  beinen  9?ad)ften  nid]t, 

SSenn  ifyn  s£erbtenfte  Ijeben, 
2Benn  Sob  fitr  feine  £fjaten  fprtd)t, 

Itnb  tnurben  iftn  umgeben 
Grregc  niemalS  C^roII  unb  ilicib 

Sci  fern  non  aCem  3«nfe; 
Unb  £aber,  iWeuterei  imb  Strett 

Set  niemalS  bcin  ©cbanfe. 


nid^i  burc^  3Sort  uub 
SBeirfje  Dom  3Serbred)en; 

bie  boj'c  ©aat 
mirb  Si'tnbc  rcidjcn! 
£>effentlid)  gur  ©djait  flcitcflt, 

bid]  311  fdjoncn 
nur  @d)mad)  Don  oiler  SSelt 
SDcine  93osl)ett  lofjnen! 


o  foi  bcnn  bit  Don  fritfjer 
Ter  fficblicfyfeit  ergeben 
-rt]litI)e  ftet§  fiir  9ted)t  unb  Jugenb, 
Unb  e^re  fie  im  Seben. 

bofe  £Ijat  unb  Jrug  Deriiben 
llnb  llnbeil  fdilau  OoHbrinaen 
2Birb  immer  rt)o^I  bic  5Ru^e  iritben 
nie  fann  fie  gelingen! 

270 


MORAL  INSTRUCTION. 

Envy  not  thy  "lucky"  neighbor, 

For  recompense  he  hath  obtained, 
For  the  praise  received  for  labor, 

For  all  the  honors  he  hath  gained, 
Rouse  not  jealous  rancor's  venom, 

With  poison  deadly  it  is  fraught, 
To  its  stirring  ever  be  numb, 

Let  it  ne'er  hatch  within  thy  thought. 

Sin  neither  through  thy  word  or  deed, 

Shun  the  channels  of  transgression, 
Scatter  not  the  criminal  seed, 

Beware  God's  sure  retribution; 
In  open  judgment  wilt  be  placed, 

With  no  favors  shown  to  spare  thee, 
For  all  the  world  wilt  be  disgraced, 

Thy  wickedness  will  ensnare  thee. 

Then  ever  from  thy  early  youth, 

To  honesty  be  devoted. 
Let  thy  heart  be  fired  for  the  truth, 

And  to  honor  consecrated; 
For  wicked  deeds,  deceitful  ways, 

All  misfortunes  bring,  all  sorrow, 
They  rob  the  rest  that  is  to-day's, 

And  happiness  of  the  morrow, 

371 


©tttcnlc^rc. 


Seite  beine  SUMQQ  an, 

2Bcrf)rf)eit  nur  311  fpredrjen 
Siige  nie  in  eitlem  28afyn 

Siige  ift  25erbrerf)en. 
Unb  ba§  SBort,  ba§  btr  entfu&r 

ftet§  bercljre; 
treulidf)  beinen  ©rfitrur! 
@o  totn'S  @otte§  Sefjre. 


joUft  bu  beirQ3ruber 

er  cjegen  ^idf)  gefe^It; 
Sern  mit  Siebe  i^n  umfaffen, 

SSenn  cr  je  bid^  l^at  gequtilt. 
2BoljI  fannft  bit  i^m  [dfionenb  fagen, 

©ein  2?ergeF)en  oF)ne  ©cfjeii; 
®orf)  ben  ^afe  i^m  nadj^iitragen, 

blicbc  nic^t  don  ©trafc  frci. 


2Bie  bid^  felbft  ben  iKadrtten  lieben, 
im  fieben  bir  aur  ^flidfjt; 

gegen  ttnt  gu  iiben, 
bem  @Iauben  frag'  i^n  nid^t! 
(Sfenb  milbern,  2Bunben  ^eilen, 

er  in  ($efaljren  fd^luebt; 
ber  £ilf  entgegen  eilen  — 

au  @ott  er^ebt. 

272 


MORAL  INSTRUCTION. 

Lead  thy  tongue  in  the  path  of  truth, 

Let  but  verity  guide  thy  speech, 
Lie  not!  for  falsehood  is,  forsooth, 

An  act  of  crime  a  moral  breach, 
Let  the  word  thou  utterest  now, 

Be  honored  from  its  inception, 
Keep  it  as  sacred  as  a  vow, 

In  God's  law  'tis  the  conception. 

Thou  shalt  never  hate  thy  brother, 

If  e'er  against  thee  he  did  wrong, 
Learn  with  love  the  wrong  to  smother, 

Its  ill  effects  not  to  prolong, 
Canst  reprove,  rebuke  him  gently, 

His  wrong  toward  thee,  him  frankly  tell, 
But  to  hate  him  consequently, 

Is  to  prepare  for  thee  a  hell. 

As  thy  own  self  love  thy  neighbor, 

Make  it  thy  duty  that  he  live, 
For  his  good  be  all  thy  labor, 

Ask  not  his  faith  whom  thou  dost  give, 
Misery  lightening,  wounds  healing, 

When  one  midst  danger's  breakers  drifts, 
Quickly  answer  cries  appealing, 

All  this  is  what  to  God  uplifts. 


273 


Sittenldjrc. 

Sn  ber  Bunge  liegt  ba§  Sebeu, 
2lud)  ber  £obt  in  ifjrcr  ®raft; 
©ie  fann  tooljl  ba§  @Iiicf  bir  geben, 

£od)  aurf)  betben  fie  berfdiafft. 
2)nrum  ftrenge  iuieg  bie 
ber  meife  ftonic? 
fet  an  fetnem  Drte 
Sluf  bie  3wnge  lege 

nid)t  bet  beinen  ©iegen 
ileber  getnbe  in  ber  @d)Iad)t; 
SBenn  fie  faflen,  unterltegcn 

gielen  fie  burd)  ©otte§  5)?Qd)t. 
5sn  ben  <3tnfen  follft  bu  reid)en 
milb  bie  33rubcrl)anb ; 
geinbfdjaft  mufe  bann  lt)eid)en, 
9Senn  fid)  16ft  ba§  ©rbenbanb. 

3W6geft  bu  bid)  ftet§  erbarmen, 
2)etner  3?ritber  grofeen  9iot^; 
2J?6geft  ^elfen  bit  ben  Slrmen, 

a^ilbe  fd)it^t  bon  e^ig'n  ^obt. 
@ie  begleitet  bid)  im  ©terben 

gef)t  einft  in'S  ©rob  mit  bir; 
bleibt  swriid  ben  Grben, 
llnb  bu  fdjeibeft  nacft  t)on  fyier. 

274 


MORAL  INSTRUCTION. 

With  life's  force  the  tongue  is  pregnant. 

Power  of  death  upon  its  tip, 
For  success  the  tongue  is  regnant, 

And  failure  lies  within  its  slip, 
Therefore  weigh  your  words  exactly, 

As  the  wisest  of  all  kings  states, 
Keep  each  word  in  place  compactly, 

I T pon  your  tongue  place  reason's  weights. 

Do  not  triumph  in  thy  conquest. 

( )  Vr  thy  enemies  in  thy  fight, 
Though  they  fall  yet  be  thou  impressed, 

That  they  have  fallen  through  (iod's  might, 
As  they  sink,  then,  do  thou  reach  them 

A  mild  and  kindly  brother-hand, 
Enmity  should  not  impeach  them, 

When  falls  apart  the  earthen  band. 

Let  compassion  be  forever 

Thy  balm,  thy  brother's  wound  to  heal, 
Help  the  poor,  his  bonds  to  sever, 

Ilis  bonds  of  woe,  work  for  his  weal; 
Kindness  saves  from  death  eternal, 

Alone  escorts  thee  to  thy  borne. 
Naught  else  counts  in  life  supernal, 

Thou  partest  bare  as  day  wast  born. 


275 


(Sittenfefjrc. 

cig'ncn  23ruber§  fdjonet  nid)t, 

28er  $ofe  unb  ©treit  nur  briitet; 
Unb  tt)cr  ftet§  £rug  unb  Citgen  tyridjt 

33or  bent  cud)  forgram  Iju'tet! 
(£-r  ftbret  inandje§  |iifee§  ©liiif 

3crtriintnicrt  mandje  greubcn, 
!Tod)  fief)!  e§  fatten  balb  ^itriicf 

?(uf  ir^n  gar  oft  — bie  Seibcn. 

5>atcr!  nur  aHein  bein  ©egen 

n§  9lHen  ©HidE  unb  $eil; 
and)  $icnfd)en  336fe§  fjegcn, 
SBirb  bod)  ©uteS  un§  gu  ^cil. 
SWogen  S^inbe  immer  flurfjcn 

Unfer  $eil  fommt  nur  don  bir; 
Ifb'gen  unfern  ^nH  fie  fudjen 
9htr  burd)  bid)  bcfte^en  Uiir. 

9Wcin  $err  unb  5Boter!  bir  nlletn 

Hub  beincr  fjciligen  2ef)rc 
®oH  meine  B^t  geiDei^et  fein 

@o  fyeifd)t  e§  beine  Ce^re. 
3u  f  reifen  bid}  ift  meine  $flid)t 

@o  long'  id)  Seben  fjabe; 
^m  Xob',  mein  ©ott!  bermag  id)  nidjt, 
lobt  nidjt  me^r  im  ©rabe!    • 

276 


MORAL  INSTRUCTION. 

His  own  brother  he's  not  sparing, 

He  who  envious  fury  breeds, 
Who  is  falsely  speaking,  swearing, 

Of  such  a  one  the  prudent  heeds; 
He  mars  the  sweetest  happiness, 

The  most  delightful  joys  he  spoils, 
But  there's  one  thought  of  cheerfulness, 

On  his  own  head,  oft,  th'ill  recoils. 

Father!  Thine  alone 's  the  blessing, 

Prospers  us,  in  our  salvation, 
111  designs  of  foes  oppressing, 

Turns  to  good  their  machination, 
Though  enemies  curse,  revile  us, 

Our  salvation  comes  but  from  thee, 
They  may  seek  to  throw,  defile  us, 

Through  Thy  help  alone,  firm  stand  we. 

My  Lord  and  Father,  Thee  alone, 

And  the  sacred  law  thou  gavest, 
Is  consecrated  time  I  own, 

As  in  Holy  Law  thou  cravest, 
To  praise  Thee  whilst  I  have  the  breath, 

Is  my  duty's  noblest  culture, 
For  God  I  cannot  praise  in  death, 

Nor  adore  in  the  sepulcher. 

277 


©fttenldjrc. 

£enf  o  iWcnfd),  311  jeber  Stunbc 
2)afe  al§  Ambling  bit  intr  Ijier; 

Safe  ber  2obt  ftet§  mad)t  bic  JJtunbe, 
£>eute  ifym  unb  morgen  bir! 

£enf,  bafe  alle  greuben  fdjtninben, 
2Sie  ein  3djattcn  jebe§  C^Iiirf- 

Tann  tutrft  Ieid)t  bit  iibertninbcit, 
ber  Ic^tc 


33cod)te  ftet§  ben  SdiatJ  ber  Jngcnb 

2?elnaf)re  bie  ^5erle,  bie  bid)  jicrt, 
Sic  glaujt  fd)6n  im  3d)inucf  ber  Cs 

ein  ©ut,  ba§  nie  ben  SBert^  Derlicrt. 
Unb  tnageft  bn  and)  unter  alien 

?tn  9tei3  f)erDor,  ftoljiere  .nid)t  ! 
So  niandjc  ©rofee  ift  gefallen, 

Cf'rlojdjen  fdjnell  jo  mand)C§  Sid)t. 


fiird)te  nid)t  toenn  ^einbe  tobcn, 
fnrditbar  grofe  ifire  5U?ad)t; 
ld)iit3t  eine  (jofyre  .<itraft  non  oben, 
Te*  3?ater§  5ruge  mcin  ^anpt  bcmadit! 
(fo  niogen  broficn  bie  5?arbaren 
v»nt  U'laffen  all'  nm  mid)  Herein!; 
v,d)  trot?'  niit  $ott  ber  grofjen  Sdjnarcn, 
Cf-o  ftitr,}t  unb  faTIt  befd)iiint  ber  /"veinb! 

278 


MORAL  INSTRUCTION. 

Reflect !  0  Man !  at  every  hour, 

That  as  a  stranger,  thou  art  here, 
That  death  in  its  revolving  power, 

To  Thee  also  will  appear! 
Reflect!  that  joy  is  born  to  vanish, 

As  a  shadow  to  fade  away, 
Then  all  fear  wilt  learn  to  banish, 

When  comes  at  last  thy  parting  day. 

Ponder  on  the  gems^)f  virtue, 

Guard  the  pearls  that  ornament  thee, 
Sparkled  when  in  youth  they  were  new, 

Their  great  value  ne'er  will  spent  be; 
If  by  daring  all  dost  surpass, 

Attainest  high  rank,  be  not  proud, 
For  great  men  fell,  men  of  high  class. 

They  sank  beneath  the  common  crowd. 

I  fear  not  when  foes  are  roaring, 

When  frightful  is  their  mighty  sway, 
For  my  Guardian  high  is  soaring, 
A  Father's  eye  guards  me  alway, 
Though  barbarians  threat  to  harm  me 

United   'gainst  me  is  the  foe, 
By  God  I  defy  their  army, 
By  His  power  I  lay  them  low! 

279 


(Stttenleljre. 

®Iage  md)t  toenn  gromme  fcfyeiben 

3Son  bem  fiifeen  8eben§lid)t 
Straure  nid)t,  gebeugt  Don  Seiben, 

SBenn  ifjr  ^erg  fd^on  friifie  Brid)t. 
®enfc,  ba§  fitr  jene  9ieinen 

Siefe  2BeIt  gu  fleinlid)  mar; 
SSJiflft  benn  jeue  bu  belDetnen 

®ie  i^t  griifet  bie  Grngelfcfyaar? 


©inen  Xag  nur  bor  bem 

(SoUft  bu  reuig  tuiterfefyren, 
llnb  ba§  33ofe  ernftltd)  meiben, 

5tuf  ber  ^tugenb  @ttmme  fjoren. 
®ann  nur  irirft  bu  rein  bon  ©iinben 

©ingeb'n  au  bem  etoigen  grieben, 
Hnb  bafiir  ben  Sofyn  bort  ftnben 

©o  bu  ®ute§  mirfft  ^iniben. 


ben  grommen  ber  ftet§  toanbelt, 

©liter  ©oit,  in  beinen  2Begen! 
SDer  nod)  beinen  Sefjren  fjanbelt! 

Sen  begleiten  ^eil  unb  ©egen. 
2Bet)'  bem  ©iinber,  ber  betfjort 

23on  bem  s^fab  ber  Xugenb  toeirfjet! 
@r  roirb  fdgonung§Io§  gerftort! 

2Benn  bie  ©trafe  i^n  erfjeifdjet. 


280 


MORAL  INSTRUCTION. 

Weep  not  when  the  pious  leave  us, 

Alone  to  bask  in  light  of  life, 
Mourn  not  for  there's  naught  to  grieve  us, 

When  broken  hearts  have  left  the  strife, 
Reflect  that  for  these  souls  so  pure,    / 

This  petty  world  had  naught  to  boast, 
Wilt  thou  sorrow  with  grief  sincere, 

For  those  who  joined  the  angel-host? 

One  day,  ere  this  world  departest, 

Repent  the  sins  of  all  thy  days, 
And  from  evil  whence  thou  partest, 

Return  to  virtue,  learn  its  ways, 
Only  then,  free  from  transgression, 

Wilt  depart  from  peace  eternal, 
There  wilt  come  into  possession, 

Of  reward  in  life  supernal. 

Prosper  God,  thy  pious  ever, 

Who  in  thy  paths  forever  go, 
Who  ne'er  from  thy  teaching  sever 

Their  very  act,  thy  law  they  know ! 
Woe  the  sinful  ones  the  foolish, 

Who  from  the  path  of  virtue  stray, 
For  his  law  that  they  abolish, 

They'll  meet  their  doom  on  judgment  day. 


281 


(Stttenleljre. 


SBenn  ein  Sampf  mit  dial  unb 

nitr  natyrt  ba§  trorfene  93rob, 
s  mtt  ©alje  blofe  beftreut, 
bie  cin^ifle  9cnf)rung  Bcut! 

au§  JBrunnen  SSoffer  quillt, 
Xac>  ben  fjeifeen  Xurft  btr  ftiKt, 
Unb  bie  falte  nacfte  Grbe 
£artc§  Saflcr  bir  aetunfjrt, 
28cnn  fofort  be-in  (\au^  2e5cn 
9itd)t5  aly  .Qiiiiuncr  bir  fonn  gc&en 
Unb  bit  bod)  bei  idimcrctn  2etben, 
9cic  mirft  Don  bcr  £ora  [d)ctbcn 
.^etl  bir  bnnn  bnrd)  @ottes  Sort, 
if  bir  Ijier,  lyeil  btr  bort! 


nid)t  ber  Soljn  mitfj  foramen, 

er  tuof)I  nod)  fo  feljr, 
Unb  gert)if§  ift  er  ben  Srommcn, 

nnd)  s^Inc]  nnb  Wiifje  i"d)iner. 
nid)t,  bir  tnirb  bcrgeltcu 
bie  reid)c  5tugcjtbfaoi, 
Scnit  nid)t  bn  in  jenen  Helton 

mufe  folgen  anf  bie  Xtljat. 

282 


MORAL  INSTRUCTION. 


When  with  distress  the  struggle  dread, 
Provides  thee  naught  but  crust  of  bread, 
With  pinch  of  salt  for  condiment, 
Gives  thee  thy  only  nourishment, 
When  from  the  well  the  water  fresh, 
Thy  burning  thirst  doth  slake,  refresh, 
And  on  the  cold  and  barren  ground 
A  rocky  couch  by  night  hast  found, 
Even  when  in  thy  entire  life, 
Thou  findest  naught  but  care  and  strife, 
Unheeding  woes  that  they  impart, 
From  the  Torah  thou  dost  not  part, 
All  hail  to  thee  by  God's  command, 
All  hail  thee  here,  hail  thee  beyond ! 


Doubt  not  thy  reward  for  merit, 

Though  in  coming  it  doth  tarry. 
It  is  sure,  thou  wilt  inherit, 

Though  affliction  thee  doth  harry. 
Doubt  not,  wilt  be  compensated, 

By  God  with  fruit  of  virtue's  seed. 
Beyond! — if  here  'tis  not  fated, 

Reward  must  surely  follow  deed! 

'283 


Sittenftmdjf. 

£)er  Sfteidje  mit  bem  Strmen  bertr-agen  fidj  nidjt, 
%ener  iibt  Unrest  unb  trofct  gegen  jebe  $flid)t. 
Ssa,  biejer  leibet  unb  mufj  nod)  bafiir  banfen 
Unb  Sener  toeibet  auf  be§  Sfrmen  ©ebanfen. 
©olange  er  i^jn  gebraudjt  unb  QuSnii^en  fann 

er  ityn  aud^  lueitcr  311  feinert 
er   e§   ntdtjt  me^r 
er  i^n  nimmer. 


©olange  ©einer  33ermogen  befi^t 
3ft  er  be§  9teid^en  ©efeUfd^after  ifct; 
^at  er  ifjn  einmal  auSgeleert 
@o  3iefjt  er  nitf  ifjn  nod)  fcin  ©d^)uertt). 
SJarum  lafe  bid)  bon  il)m  nid)t  betfjo'ren 
llnb  bon  feiner  Sift  follft  bu  bid)  rt)df)ren! 
9tuft  er  bid),  fo  fei  nur  Befdjeiben! 
£>e  me^r  er  bid)  ruft,  i^n  nur  meiben! 


fottft  bu  bid:)  if)n  aufbringen! 
<3onft  ^at  er  bid)  bei  ben  @d)Iingen. 
^olte  bid^  aber  aud)  nid)t  fern 
(Sonft  er  bid)  fjaffet  miHiggern. 
§iite  bid^,  ifyn  ju  begegnen  al§  bein' 
Unb  toenn  er  freunblid)  fbrid)t,  foHft  il)n  nur 
2)enn  nur  um  bid)  au§3uforjd)en  fprid)t  er  fo  biel 
Seine  ©efmnung  511  erfafyren,  ift  fein  QieL 


284 


MORAL  MAXIMS. 

Antipathy  between  the  rich  and  poor  man  lies, 

To  practice  injustice,  all  duties  to  despise, 

Is  the  nature  of  one,  whilst  the  other  must  bear 

Th'  insolence  of  arrogance  that  falls  to  his  share. 

When  he  can  use  him  he  considers  him  a  tool, 

And  when  through  with  him  he  casts  him  off  as  a  fool; 

Let  him  serve  him  at  his  best,  do  all  that  he  can, 

He'll  be  his  tool,  not  a  fool,  but  never  a  man! 

When  property  in  the  poor  man's  possession  came, 

To  his  sociability  the  rich  man  laid  claim, 

But  when  it  changed  possessors,  the  rich  man's  "reward," 

The  poor  man 's  rich  companion  'gainst  him  turned  the  sword, 

Therefore  his  sociability  do  thou  forebear, 

Thy  companion's  duplicity  thou  must  beware! 

If  he  will  invite  thee,  his  invitation  shun, 

The  louder  he  calls  thee,  the  faster  thou  must  run. 

Never  upon  the  man  of  wealth  thy  presence  force ! 

Or  else  he'll  have  thee  by  the  throat  in  time's  due  course; 

Yel  hold  not  thyself  from  him  too  greatly  estranged, 

Or  he  will  hate  thee  and  for  the  slight  be  avenged, 

But  ne'er  on  an  equal  footing  him  shalt  thou  meet, 

And  when  towards  thee  he  makes  advance,  do  thou  retreat; 

His  volubility  towards  thee  is  to  explore, 

The  hidden  recesses  of  thy  mind,  thy  heart's  store. 


285 


3ttteniprid)e. 

G§  tocrtrnnt  fid)  fonft  ber  Sfrnte  ntit  bem  Mcidjcu 
"HI*  bie  .sMnine  niit  bem  .sMmbe  ini  WIeidjen. 
$Me  bio  uiilben  Gfel  ber  Vouien  Wnub  finb 
So  uierb'n  bie  3fniieit  no  in  Neidni  no 
mint  ber  SRetdjc,  iuirb  cr  gcftii^t  balb, 
Tor  xHnno,  nod)  ncbriicft  ,yir  Wctunlt. 
8prid)t  ber  JHcidjc,  finbet  er  ^eifnll  bei  nllen 
Sonar  fcine  <}eiitbe  i^m  nud)  ^oifnll  fd)aUcn. 

WefcUe  bid)  inmicr  311  beineS  ©Icid)en! 
SSirft  bu  iinmcr  bcinc  (£^rc  crretd^en. 

.s>a)v>  etneii  "Hubeni  naditriiat 

fid)  fclbft  ©djaben  ouferlegt. 
on,  cin  Alicnfd)  trh\U  bent  Unbent  Wnd)e  nnd) 
llnb  Derlnnnt  Don  (#ott  9>criicbiuig  ricnuid). 
Tcr  3nnt'fid)tit]e  licbt  Streit  unb  §nbcr 
($r  nertrrt  nnd)  "-Britber  gcg'n  einnnber. 

(fin  ^eitfd)cnfd)Infl  bernrfnd)t  unb  ntnd)t  Stitrnte 
iHbcr  ein  3u»Qcnf)teb  scrfdjntettert  £f)urme. 
SikMin  bu  nnf  bcineni  Ok'lbe  (enft  einen 
^'eflc  nnd)  nuf  beinem  Wunbe  Sd)Iofe  unb 
^Beffer  unter  feinem  Obbnd)  fd)Ied)t  gu  Ie6en 
211s  fllnit3enbe  2J?nf)Ie  in  ^rentb'n  «<OQU§  311  Ijeben. 
-triinnte  ftnb  ^nfd)nuiuuic-siMlber  olinc  SScfcn 
SSie  @efid)ter  im  Spiegel  dom  ^leufeern  lejen. 


286 


MORAL  MAXIMS. 

Rich  and  poor  in  their  ordinary  relations, 
Are  as  hyena  to  dog  in  their  respective  stations, 
As  the  wild  ass  is  very  oft  the  lion's  prey, 
So  the  poor  by  the  rich,  quickly  devoured  are  they, 
When  the  rich  man  falls,  quick  he's  put  upon  his  feet, 
Hut  the  poor  is  down-trodden  to  still  greater  defeat; 
AVhen  the  rich  man  opens  but  his  mouth,  all  applaud, 
Even  his  enemies  can  do  naught  else  but  laud. 

Let  thy  equal  ever  be  thy  associate, 
Thy  honor  will  then  remain  in  a  perfect  state; 
Whoever  toward  his  fellow-man  hatred  doth  bear 
Unending  injury,  for  himself  doth  prepare; 
Whilst  the  man's  heart  with  revengeful  feeling  reeks 
From  the  Lord  forgiveness  for  his  own  sins  he  seeks. 
The  quarreler  loves  to  embroil  one  'gainst  the  other, 
He  hesitates  not  to  set  brother  'gainst  brother. 

Though  an  angry  blow  will  cause  a  storm  .to  arise, 

An  angry  tongue  the  strongest  forts  can  pulverize; 

If  upon  thy  treasure  a  strong  seal  thou  dost  place, 

Let  locks  and  bars  keep  thy  tongue  in  their  strong  embrace. 

Better  partake  of  poor  fare,  but  'neath  thy  own  roof, 

Than  gorgeous  feasts  in  stranger's  homes,  best  keep  aloof. 

Dreams  are  bodyless  beings,  pictures  in  the  air, 

Of  life's  fleeting  substance,  with  mirrors  they  compare. 


287 


ber  £f)on  in  ber  £>anb  be§  med)anifdien 
So  finb  bic  9Kcnfdjen  in  ber  ©ettmlt  be§  @d)5bfer§. 
iWan  id)afct  ben  STrmen  feineS  23erftanbe§  toegen 
ilnb  ben  jfteirfjen  JDCiien  fciner  ©liter  @egen. 
vJT?ancf)er  ift  untoiffenb  unb  ift  bon  ©iinben  frei 
ilnb  ntanrfier  ^at  biel  @d)arffinn  unb  ift  ©d^alf  bobei. 
Grfyre  ben  '^Trjt  bebor  bit  fciner  notfjig  Fjaft! 

fein  9Imt  ift  bon  (Sott  begritfet,  fein  33ote  faft. 


Ueber  ben  £obien  flogt  man  nur  fieben  £age 
<Sein  Seblang  aber  iiber  be§  £Ijoren  Sage. 
Sieber  mit  £oroen  unb  ®rad)en  rooljnen 
21I§  mit  ein'm  aanfifdj'n  3Beib'  fid)  ju  lo^nen. 
2>on  einem  28eibe,  bon  einer  ^rau 
$at  bie  ©iinb'  i^ren  Urfprung  gennu. 
Unb  burd)  biefen  g-rau'n  fterben  inir  aHe, 
®urd)  fie  bernid)tet  mit  einem  male. 

3u  berftofeen  einen  greunb 

^eift  entlaffen  einen  geinb. 

^n  eingufjolen  bift  bu  fo  imftanb 

5TI§  ben  entflofj'nen  SSog'I  auB  beiner  ."ganb. 

SSie  bie  53iene  ben  ©inen  ftirfjt 

Unb  bem  3(nbern  §onig  giebt  bidjt 

(So  9teid)t6um  ben  (Jinen  berfd)afft  3Sergniigen 

Unb  ben  SInbern  Summer  unb  ©orgen  toiegen. 

288 


*  MORAL  MAXIMS. 

As  clay  in  the  hand  of  the  potter  plastic  lies, 
So  are  men  in  the  power  of  God,  the  All-wise. 
The  poor  man  by  his  knowledge  is  estimated, 
The  rich  man  according  to  his  wealth  is  rated. 
Many  a  man  is  ignorant  and  from  sin  is  free, 
And  many  a  man's  knowledge  is  for  duplicity. 
Honor  the  physician  ere  his  advice  dost  need! 
For  God  blesses  his  mission,  his  word  and  his  deed. 

O'er  the  dead  person  only  seven  days  we  mourn, 
But  his  entire  life-time  over  the  fool  forlorn. 
It  is  better  with  lions  and  dragons  to  dwell, 
Than  with  a  quarrelsome  wife  in  conjugal  hell. 
Prom  one  woman — a  wife — came  that  destructive  force, 
Of  sin  and  its  great  sorrow,  woman  is  the  source; 
And  through  women  we  die,  nor  escape  can  we  find, 
Prom  their  destroying  power  of  matter  and  mind. 

To  repulse  a  friend  is  equal  in  verity, 

To  setting  free  a  new  created  enemy, 

Thou  art  as  able  to  recall  him  'gain  to  thee, 

As  a  bird  thou  hadst  in  thy  hand,  which  thence  did  flee. 

As  the  busy  bee  that  on  one  alights  and  stings, 

Whilst  to  another  its  sweetness  of  honey  brings, 

So  do  riches  to  one  bring  unalloyed  pleasure, 

To  the  other  corroding  care  without  measure. 


289 


3ld),  au§  be» 

SDie  ber  falte  9Jorbtinnb  briicft! 
®6nnt  id)  bod)  ben  Slusgang  finben 

^d),  toie  fiiljlt'  id^  mic^  begliidft! 


S)ort  erblirf'  id)  fdgone 

fitbanon,  3ion,  fc^on  grim! 
£att'  id)  ©ditDtngen,  ^att1  id) 
ben  ^iigeln  gog'  idg  ^i 


Stimme  fyor'  id)  fingen 
Stone  fiifeer  SutunftZmfy, 
llnb  bie  Ieid)ten  SBinbe  brtngen 
ber  ©iifte  ^alfam  311. 


©olbne  griid)te  fef)'  id)  gliifjen 
SBinfenb  sluifdjen  bunfeln  Saub, 

llnb  Me  Slumen  bie  bort  bliiljeri, 
28erben  feine§  SBinter§ 


2Tdj,  hrie  fd)6n  reijenb  iener  Stag 
SBenn  nur  ett)ig  Sonnenjd)ein, 

©efronteS  ^fra'I  beleud)t'n  mag 
Unb  (id)  befjerrfdjen  allein. 


5Dod)  e§  tobet  etn 
3)e§  ro^en  SnftinftS 

gt)pter  ^eim,  aud)  au§ 
©id)  in  ^fra'I  t^at  bermifd)'n. 

290 


HOME-SICKNESS. 

From  the  lands  where  as  outcast,  unkind 

As  the  northwinds  they  me  press, 
If  but  an  escape  I  could  find, 

Of  joy  I  would  feel  the  excess ! 
See!  there  across  my  vision  springs, 

Lebanon,  Zion,  mountains  green, 
O  would  to  heaven,  I  had  wings, 

To  fly  at  once  upon  that  scene ! ! 

Zion's  sweet  voice  in  song  I  hear, 

In  tones  of  future  promise  bright, 
The  balmy  wind  that  wafts  them  here, 

Fills  my  being  with  sweet  delight; 
Goldeii  fruit  on  trees  are  glowing, 

Glittering  through  thick  foliage, 
And  the  flowers  there  are  growing, 

Fear  naught  of  Winter 's  vassalage ! 

0  how  beautiful  is  the  day  , 

When  rays  of  an  eternal  sun, 
On  crowned  Israel  shines  alway, 

Who  self -rule's  crown  alone  has  won! 
But  how  it  froths !  chaotic  foam, 

Of  wild  instincts,  rough  and  rending! 
Vile  seed  of  Egypt  and  of  Rome, 

That  in  Israel  had  its  blending! 

291 


Suftfd)iff  ftwrbe  entfenbet 
23ereint  bon  after  SBelt  gleidj, 
SWit  9iad)e  belab'n  e§  £fanbet 


S)er  Senfer  gielt,  fampft  entgegen 

S)er  roljen,  ttrilb'n  9}2orbe 
3u  rett'n  ^fra'I  ifym  gelegen 
ie^!  er  ergreift  bie 


unb  ^afen 

rote  mid)  ber  Sar  berja^rt? 
33alb  luirb  unb  mufe  ber  £orn  blafen 
llnb  Sure  ©d^QuIuft  aerftort! 

33alb=balb  fommt  bom  $immel  oben 
2)a§  ^o^e  ©eric^t  gu  gefj'n 

Unb  mid)  ^ab'n  ^inau§geF)oben 
SSon  meinen  unfeglid^'n 


S§  fittjret  mid)  im  ^eimatlanb 

SSo  id)  einft  tear  geboren 
Unb  iljr  bleibet  mit  ©i^mad)  unb  3d)anb 

llnb  ba§  3or'nreid)  —  bciioren. 


292 


HOME-SICKNESS. 


An  air-ship  wings  its  way  with  ire, 
Sent  by  the  world  from  near  and  far, 

Laden  with  revenge,  hot  as  fire, 
'Gainst  the  despotic  realm  of  Czar! 

Fierce  the  battle  will  be  waging, 

'Gainst  murderer-bands  from  height  of  skies, 
To  save  Israel  he  is  raging — 

But  alas!- -he  turns  tail  and  flies! 

O  ye  lions  with  hearts  of  harei 
Ye  see  me  mangled,  see  me  torn, 

Ye  will  not  save  me  from  the  "Bear" — 
Beware,  for  soon  will  blow  the  horn, 

Full  soon  will  come  from  heaven's  throne, 

From  heaven's  highest  tribunal, 
Command  that  justice  shall  be  shown, 

To  save  me  from  the  Czar-land  hell. 

Command  that  to  the  home  I  claim, 
The  home  where  first  I  saw  the  light. 

Ye  help  me  go  and  leave  the  shame, 
The  Czar-land,  devil's  satellite! 


293 


cjleid)t  ber  SKorgenfonne, 
@ie  aleidjt  ber  iMume  am  gefdjmiirft'n 
Sie  inirb  er^og'n  jur  £uft  unb  2Bonnc, 
vsa,  niir  bit'  ^sitgenb  Itebt  bie 


SBcnn  bie  ergieftimg  bie  Wutt'r  fticfet 
llnb  ber  Skter  mit  3"<^t  fie  fdjmiicfet 
ber  Sefirer  bos  2irf)t  ber 
fie  impfen  bis  jur  f)6rf)ften 


§n  fa  mnnrfier  oiigcnb  licgt  ein  Seint 
Tor  erliob'nftcn  ©eifte5=sKa(^t  berborn'n 

^n  mandj'r  ^ugenb  liegt  ein  ^onigfeim, 
Ter  mit  2iinigfeit  un§  fonnt  ocrforg'n! 

3ie  trirb  aber  burdE)  maud)'  llmftanben 
Xer  GItcrn,  fo  bod)  and)  bwrd)  gremben 

-^n  il)ren  .^eint  gelaffen  erftirft 
llnb  nie  bie  3trnbi'n  ber  Sonne  erblirft! 


Tarnni  bit  ungefdjItffeneS 

3iet)  in'»  2Beite  mit  bem  Weere  gleid], 
5vlief)e  unb  lauf  jur  3d)ii(e  gefd)minb! 

Xort  merbcft  'bit  gliirflidi,  merbeft  reid). 

^a,  mit  ben  fdjonften  reirfjiten  Wabcn 

3?efd)enft  fie  bid)  miitterlid), 
Sierj,  bit  ttiirft  immer  nod)  tooll'n  fjaben 

Hub  nennen  nod)  geisig  bid). 

294 


YOUTH. 

Youth  is  like  unto  the  morning  sun, 
Like  unto  the  flower  in  the  field, 

Only  for  joy  is  its  life  begun, 

Joy  to  Youth  alone  doth  Nature  yield. 

When  the  training  of  the  mother  palls, 
Or  the  father's  teaching  is  severe, 

Let  the  teacher  light  the  intervals, 

With  the  knowledge  of  a  higher  sphere. 

In  many  a  youth  there  lies  the  seed, 
Of  highest  culture  deftly  concealed. 

In  many  a  youth  ferments  the  mead, 
That  sweetest  honey  will  later  yield. 

But  circumstances  oft  destroying 

The  youth's  seed  of  promise  ere  it  thrives, 
Through  parents  or  strangers  employing, 

Means  that  forever  mar  youthful  lives. 

Fly  then  O  my  youth,  uncultured,*  wild  [. 

Swift  as  the  sea  in  its  onward  course, 
Run  quick  to  the  school,  my  darling  child. 

Of  glory,  of  wealth  wilt  find  the  source. 

With  finest  talents  she'll  endow  thee, 
As  the  best  of  mothers,  loving  wise, 

More  she'll  love  thee,  the  more  she'll  know  thee, 
Her  too  thou  wilt  learn  to  idolize. 

295 


©ette. 

Sinie. 

gefjler. 

Correct. 

18 

13 

fofttt 

fottft 

18 

16 

SSerbair 

^erfatt 

99 

15 

murbe 

tnitrbe 

42 

21 

! 

: 

42 

22 

!" 

/ 

48 

3 

er 

au^ijetaffen 

56 

6 

©djapfen 

Sc^opfen 

56 

15 

bei 

bei 

56 

16 

in  Stanb 

tmftanb 

62 

5 

bergingen 

dergtengen 

114 

Site! 

3ac^aria 

Sec^aria 

124 

2 

feinem 

feinen 

124 

9 

nid^ 

mid) 

130 

23 

cnnu^tigt 

ermutljtgt 

136 

21 

fc^r 

fe^r 

188 

Xitel 

SBubnermiicc^e 

iffiunbermudfe 

154 

1 

ff)one§ 

fd^onen 

NAMES   OF   PATKONS. 

$5.00. 

Mr.   Ph.   Tanenbaum, 
Mr.  J.  W.  Berger, 
Mr.  Max  Eichner, 
Mr.  W.  Herskowitz, 
Mr.  J.  Schwartz, 

Mr.  Michael  Sameth, 
Mr.  Max  Sameth,  New  York, 
Mr.  Emil  Sameth,  Perth  Amboy, 
Mr.  Shuck,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y., 
Mr.  Shonfeld,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

$3.00. 

Mr.  J.  Roseman,  New  York, 
Mr.  Max  Buttenstein, 
Dr.  Kleinman,  New  York, 
Mr.  Joseph  Jacobson, 
Mr.  Max  Abraham, 
Mr.  Ed.  Goodharcl. 
Mr.  M.  Goldsmith, 
Mr.  Max  Karnet, 
Mr.  A.  S.  Rosen, 
Mr.   Furmansky, 
M».  Isr.  Cantor. 
Mr.  Finkelstein, 
Mr.  H.  Asthma, 
Mr.  H.  Weiss, 
Mr.  Lindner, 
Mr.  Nayer, 
M"r.  Jelin, 
Dr.  Wolf, 


Tbe  Friedman  Print, 


Bowery  cor.   Rivington. 


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